Supreme Court Responds to Bail Plea in Zubeen Garg Case

Supreme Court Issues Notice to Assam Government

The Supreme Court has formally notified the Assam Government regarding the bail request from Shyamkanu Mahanta, who is implicated in the alleged murder and drowning of the esteemed musician Zubeen Garg. Mahanta, who organized the festival associated with the incident, sought the Supreme Court's intervention after his bail was denied by both the fast-track trial court and the Gauhati High Court. Zubeen Garg, a celebrated Indian singer and cultural figure, tragically passed away at the age of 52 on September 19, 2025, due to a drowning accident near Lazarus Island while he was in Singapore to represent the North East India Festival.

SC Seeks Assam Government's Response in Zubeen Garg Case

On Tuesday, June 23, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Assam Government concerning the bail plea submitted by Shyamkanu Mahanta, one of the accused in the high-profile case surrounding the death of Zubeen Garg. Mahanta, who organized the festival linked to the incident, turned to the apex court after both the fast-track trial court and the Gauhati High Court denied his bail applications. The Supreme Court is now awaiting the state government's response to his plea. Mahanta is facing multiple charges, including murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and tampering with evidence. He has been in judicial custody for almost nine months, having been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on October 1, 2025, at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport upon his return from Singapore.

After being denied bail by both the fast-track trial court and the Gauhati High Court, Mahanta escalated the matter to the Supreme Court. The apex court's notice represents a significant development in this high-profile case, with further proceedings anticipated following the Assam Government's response.

Details Surrounding Zubeen Garg's Death

Zubeen Garg, a renowned singer, composer, and cultural icon, tragically died at the age of 52 on September 19, 2025, following a drowning incident near Lazarus Island in Singapore. He was in the country serving as a cultural ambassador for the North East India Festival when the unfortunate event occurred.

Garg was celebrated for his significant contributions to Assamese music and was widely recognized across India for his Bollywood hits, including 'Ya Ali' from 'Gangster'. His unexpected passing sent shockwaves through the music industry, leaving millions of fans in mourning.