Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court on Thursday appointed an exclusive fast-track sessions court to conduct day-to-day trial proceedings in the Zubeen Garg death case, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
District Judge of Baksa, Sharmila Bhuyan, will preside over the fast-track court.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective pursuit of justice in the Zubeen Garg murder case,” Sarma said in a social media post.
“The Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court has been pleased to nominate Smt. Sharmila Bhuyan, presently serving as District Judge, Baksa, to preside over an exclusive fast-track sessions court for conducting day-to-day trial proceedings in this matter,” he added.
PREMIUM STORIES FROM EASTMOJO
2000+ readers have backed us to keep journalism free. You can too.
SUPPORT US
The state Cabinet had earlier approved the constitution of a dedicated fast-track court in February.
Sarma said the government had initially considered continuing the trial under the existing court, noting that none of the accused in the case had secured bail so far.
However, he said the request from the victim’s family for an expedited trial led the government to take the present step.
“We felt that keeping the case with the existing court could also ensure continuity. But since the family has asked for a fast-track mechanism, we have accepted their request in the larger interest of justice,” Sarma said.
He added that the appointment of the fast-track court “will greatly expedite the judicial process and it reinforces our commitment to ensuring timely justice”.
“I express my deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to Justice Ashutosh Kumar, Hon’ble Chief Justice, Gauhati High Court, for accepting our request and for his unwavering support in strengthening the cause of justice,” the Chief Minister said.
Zubeen Garg died under mysterious circumstances on September 19 last year in Singapore, where he had travelled to perform at a cultural festival.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Assam Police filed a chargesheet in the case on December 12, naming seven arrested accused, of whom four have been charged with murder.
Also Read: Act East sans delivery: Data shows persistent gaps in northeast spending
