The Supreme Court of India has instructed the State of Assam to actively pursue the trial against Shyamkanu Mahanta, who is facing charges in the case surrounding the drowning of acclaimed Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. This directive was issued by a bench comprised of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan during the hearing of Mahanta’s bail plea.
Background of the Case
Shyamkanu Mahanta, known for organizing the Northeast Festival since 2013, was arrested following the unfortunate demise of Zubeen Garg while swimming in Singapore on September 19, 2025. The case [Shyamkanu Mahanta v. State of Assam] has attracted significant attention due to the circumstances of Garg’s death, which involved allegations of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Proceedings in the Supreme Court
During the proceedings, Advocate General Devajit Saikia, representing Assam, informed the court that the trial is progressing day-to-day, with critical witnesses set to testify in the coming weeks. The court emphasized the importance of diligently pursuing the prosecution, with Justice Nagarathna noting that the court would monitor the trial’s progress in subsequent hearings.
Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, representing Mahanta, argued that Garg voluntarily entered the sea and his client was not present at the incident. He highlighted that only a fraction of the 394 witnesses have been examined, questioning the prosecution’s basis for alleging conspiracy.
Allegations and Defense
The prosecution claims Mahanta exerted undue pressure on Garg to travel to Singapore and facilitated an environment involving alcohol and women, contributing to the incident. Conversely, Dave argued that Garg’s actions were voluntary, and Singaporean authorities had already concluded drowning as the cause of death.
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Justice Nagarathna questioned the motive behind Mahanta’s alleged actions, considering his standing as a festival organizer in the Northeast. AG Saikia, however, insisted that Mahanta’s actions were part of a conspiracy, citing pressure tactics and alleged threats made to Garg.
Next Steps
The bench has scheduled Mahanta’s bail plea for further hearing on October 5, indicating the court’s intent to closely follow the trial’s developments.
This case continues to unfold, with the judiciary emphasizing the need for a thorough and expeditious trial to ensure justice is served.
