New Delhi | The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Assam government on a bail petition filed by Shyamkanu Mahanta, event manager and chief organiser of the North East India Festival in Singapore, who is among the accused in the case related to the death of noted Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg.

A Bench comprising Justices B. V. Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi directed the Assam government to submit its response within three weeks. The matter has been listed for further hearing at the end of July.

Mahanta moved the apex court after the Gauhati High Court rejected his bail application on May 29. With the issuance of the notice, the Supreme Court has initiated the next stage of proceedings and will consider the arguments of both sides during the scheduled hearing.

The outcome of the hearing is expected to determine whether Mahanta will be granted bail while the case remains under judicial consideration.