The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Assam government on a bail plea filed by Shyamkanu Mahanta, one of the accused in the case related to the death of Assam’s noted singer and composer Zubeen Garg.
A Bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi directed the State government to file its response within three weeks. The matter has been posted for further hearing at the end of July.
Mahanta, an event manager and chief organiser of the North East India Festival in Singapore, approached the apex court after the Gauhati High Court rejected his bail plea on May 29.
According to sources, Mahanta filed a special leave petition before the Supreme Court after failing to secure relief from the High Court.
Mahanta’s plea follows a series of setbacks for the accused in lower courts. Earlier, a Special Fast Track Court rejected the bail applications of four other accused — Sandipan Garg, Amritprabha Mahanta, Nandeshwar Bora, and Paresh Baishya — and directed that they remain in judicial custody while the trial proceeds.
Following the rejection of his bail plea by the High Court, Mahanta appointed new legal counsel, signalling a revised legal strategy as he seeks relief from the apex court.
The Gauhati High Court had reserved its verdict after hearing detailed arguments from both sides in the matter. The case was heard by Justice Mitali Thakuria. During the proceedings, Mahanta’s counsel argued for bail, while Assam Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia strongly opposed the plea, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
The High Court subsequently denied relief, prompting Mahanta to move the Supreme Court.
The apex court’s decision on whether to grant bail could mark a significant turning point in the case, which continues to attract extensive public attention. Further developments are expected when the matter is taken up for hearing later this month.
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