Supreme Court Directs Assam to Proceed with Diligent Prosecution in Shyamkanu Mahanta Trial

• The Supreme Court directed the State of Assam to proceed with diligent prosecution in the trial against Shyamkanu Mahanta.
• Mahanta is accused in the drowning death case of Zubeen Garg, who died under alleged mysterious circumstances while swimming in Singaporean seas on September 19, 2025.
• The Court's direction sets a precedent for other trials involving similar cases and emphasizes the importance of diligent prosecution.
• Lawyers representing clients involved in such cases should closely monitor the progress made in this trial.

The prosecution shall be diligent in prosecuting this case.

The Supreme Court has directed the State of Assam to proceed with diligent prosecution in the trial against Shyamkanu Mahanta, accused in the drowning death case of Zubeen Garg. This direction was passed while hearing a bail plea filed by Mahanta. The bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan emphasized the importance of diligent prosecution, indicating that the Court will closely monitor the progress made in the trial. Advocate General Devajit Saikia represented the State of Assam, stating that the trial was proceeding on a day-to-day basis with crucial witnesses expected to be examined over the next few weeks.

The Court's direction has significant implications for lawyers representing clients involved in similar cases, as it sets a precedent for diligent prosecution. This may lead to more stringent prosecution efforts in future trials.

Shyamkanu Mahanta, the accused Northeast Festival organiser, has been involved in organising the festival since 2013. The case against him involves allegations of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Multiple first information reports (FIRs) were registered following Garg's death, which occurred under alleged mysterious circumstances while swimming in Singaporean seas on September 19, 2025. Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave argued that Garg had voluntarily entered the sea and that Mahanta was not present at the time of the incident.

The State of Assam has been diligent in proceeding with the trial, with Advocate General Devajit Saikia representing the state. The Court's direction to proceed with diligent prosecution is a significant development in this case.

The Supreme Court's direction to proceed with diligent prosecution sets a precedent for other trials involving similar cases. Lawyers representing clients involved in such cases should closely monitor the progress made in this trial, as it may impact their own cases. The case also highlights the importance of diligent prosecution in ensuring justice is served. The State of Assam's efforts to proceed with the trial on a day-to-day basis demonstrate its commitment to bringing the accused to justice.

Lawyers representing clients involved in similar cases should watch for the Supreme Court's direction to proceed with diligent prosecution, which may set a precedent for other trials.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]