The Government of Assam has announced the establishment of a dedicated fast-track sessions court to handle the high-profile Zubeen Garg death case, with a clear directive to complete the trial within one year of its first sitting.
According to the Judicial Department, the exclusive court has been constituted in Guwahati under Kamrup (Metropolitan) district. The move follows a Cabinet decision taken on February 26, 2026, along with subsequent communication from the Registrar General of the Gauhati High Court dated March 16, 2026.
One-Year Timeline for Trial Completion
Authorities have mandated that the proceedings must be concluded within a strict one-year timeframe from the date the court begins its hearings. However, provisions remain for an extension if required, subject to approval by the Gauhati High Court.
The fast-track court will hear Sessions Case No. 256/2025, titled State of Assam vs. Shyam Kanu Mahanta & 6 Others. The trial will be conducted under Section 346(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, along with other applicable legal provisions.
Special Judicial Appointment
To ensure focused and uninterrupted proceedings, Sharmila Bhuyan, currently serving as District and Sessions Judge in Baksa, has been appointed to preside exclusively over this case.
For this purpose, the state government has created a supernumerary post at the rank of District and Sessions Judge. This position is specifically tailored for Bhuyan and will remain in effect only for the duration of the fast-track court. Her pay and service conditions will remain unchanged from her current role.
The Finance Department approved the creation of this special post on March 20, 2026.
Government’s Push for Swift Justice
The decision to set up a fast-track court underscores the Assam government’s intent to ensure timely justice in a case that has drawn significant public attention. By allocating exclusive judicial resources and setting a defined timeline, the administration aims to expedite the legal process while maintaining procedural integrity.
The development is expected to accelerate proceedings in one of the state’s most closely watched cases, reinforcing the government’s emphasis on efficiency and accountability in the justice delivery system.
