Guwahati : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on November 18 announced that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has granted the mandatory approval required to initiate legal proceedings against those accused in the death of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore.

The sanction has been accorded under Section 208 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), a statutory requirement for prosecuting offences committed outside India. Sarma explained that without this clearance from the Central Government, no Indian court can take cognisance of such cases or allow filing of a chargesheet.

“With this approval under Section 208, the Government of Assam can now proceed lawfully to file the chargesheet and begin trial proceedings,” the Chief Minister said. He reaffirmed that the chargesheet will be submitted before 10 December 2025, underscoring the state’s commitment to ensuring justice in a case that has deeply affected people across Assam.

Sarma shared the update on a day imbued with emotional significance: the 53rd birth anniversary of Zubeen Garg, the beloved singer whose music and cultural influence shaped generations. “Today marks the 53rd birthday of our beloved Zubeen Garg – a day that reminds us of his music, his voice, and his irreplaceable place in Assam’s heart,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the government remains unwavering in its pursuit of justice for the late icon.

The development marks a crucial legal milestone, providing the foundation needed to move the investigation and prosecution forward after months of procedural hurdles related to international jurisdiction.

The Chief Minister also clarified that due to the legal structure governing citizenship verification and electoral revisions, the Election Commission’s nationwide Special Summary Revision (SIR) order did not automatically apply to Assam. On October 28, the Commission notified that the state would receive separate directions regarding voter list revision once the ongoing citizenship verification exercise is completed.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally