Gauhati High Court Demands Detailed SIT Report on Zubeen Garg Case by December 17

Social activists Abhijeet Sharma and Palash Ranjan Baruah, who had earlier filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the circumstances surrounding the death of renowned artist Zubeen Garg, appeared before a Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court comprising Justice Michael Zothankhuma and Justice Mital Thakuria. Their PIL, registered as PIL/46/2025, raises important questions about the investigation, accountability of authorities, and the transparency of the probe being conducted into the case.

The petition lists several respondents, including major Union ministries such as the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of DONER, and the Ministry of Culture. Additionally, the Government of Assam, the High Commissioner of India in Singapore, private entity Trend MMS Pvt. Ltd., and individuals Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddharth Sharma have also been named. The petitioners were represented by Senior Advocate K. N. Choudhary, who presented the core arguments and concerns before the court.

During the hearing, a significant direction came from the High Court. The bench ordered the government to submit a detailed and comprehensive progress report on the ongoing investigation carried out by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The report must be submitted by December 17, 2025. This directive is considered a major milestone for the petitioners, who expressed satisfaction at the court’s insistence on transparency. They felt that the order ensures that any potential negligence, gaps, or lapses in the investigation will be placed directly under judicial scrutiny. For the petitioners and supporters of justice for Zubeen Garg, this development brings renewed hope that the investigation will proceed with greater seriousness and accountability.

The court also expressed concern over the low public turnout before the Justice Saikia Inquiry Commission, which is responsible for examining various aspects of the case. The judges remarked that the sparse participation has created difficulties for the commission, making it challenging even for a sitting High Court judge to progress effectively with the inquiry. This observation reflects the court’s recognition of the complexities and obstacles that the investigation has faced so far.

Furthermore, the Gauhati High Court decided that all PILs related to the case of Zubeen Garg’s death will be clubbed together and heard collectively. This step aims at avoiding contradictory findings, reducing delays, and streamlining the judicial process. Senior Advocate Choudhary is expected to take a leading role in presenting the arguments during the upcoming combined hearings, ensuring coherence and comprehensive representation of the petitioners’ concerns.

Overall, the court’s directives signify a turning point in the progress of the case. With the SIT mandated to provide an exhaustive update, the petitioners hopeful for a transparent and impartial investigation, and the judicial system unifying all PILs under one umbrella, the path ahead now appears more structured and closely monitored. This development is expected to intensify the pace and depth of the probe, offering renewed assurance to the public and stakeholders seeking truthful answers and justice for Zubeen Garg.