BREAKING: Zubeen Garg's Death Sparks Media Trial: Organizer Files Urgent Writ in Supreme Court Claiming Life Threats

The petitioner, identified as a 53-year-old entrepreneur and cultural promoter from Guwahati, Assam, claims he has been subjected to a large-scale “witch-hunt” fueled by irresponsible reporting in both mainstream and social media.

According to the petition, filed through AoR Raj Kamal these platforms have created a false narrative implicating him in the singer’s death, despite his presence in Singapore being limited to organizing the festival and having last met the deceased two days prior to the incident.

The petition details that following the incident, the petitioner faced an unprecedented wave of harassment, including over 54 First Information Reports (FIRs) registered in Assam and neighboring Northeastern states, multiple raids on his residence in Guwahati, freezing of bank accounts, and threats to his life conveyed through social media messages and emails with menacing language such as “Come home and we will burn you alive” and “If you step foot in Assam, we will murder you.”

The petitioner asserts that these attacks have prevented him from even attending the last rites of his friend.

The State of Assam registered CID PS Case No. 18 of 2025 under Sections 61(2), 105, and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter. However, the petitioner maintains that the SIT investigation is prejudiced due to continuous public vilification and statements made by top state executives on social media. He highlighted that the All Assam Lawyers’ Association has publicly discouraged members from representing accused persons in this case, further jeopardizing his right to legal representation and fair trial under Articles 21 and 22(1) of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court has previously emphasized the necessity of a fair trial as a fundamental right under Article 21. Landmark cases cited in the petition include K. Anbazhagan v. Supdt. of Police (2004) 3 SCC 767, which underscored that justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done, and Rhea Chakraborty v. State of Bihar (2020), concerning the dangers of media trials and biased investigations amid public outrage.

The petitioner is seeking multiple directions from the Court, including transfer of the investigation to a central agency such as the CBI or NIA, preservation of post-mortem reports, medical records, and video footage from Singapore, as well as restraint against the registration of further FIRs concerning the same subject matter, citing the principle laid down in Priyanshi Kandpal v. Union of India (2023) and Mohammed Zubair v. State of NCT of Delhi (2022).

He also emphasizes the need to protect his family and ensure his safe return to India amid ongoing threats, pointing out that a Look-Out Circular (LOC) has been issued against him, further endangering his movement. The petitioner’s appeal frames a broader argument about the intersection of public outrage, media sensationalism, and the risk of miscarriage of justice, urging the Court to safeguard his fundamental rights.

The writ petition paints a stark picture of the risks faced by individuals caught in high-profile cases, where media narratives and public sentiment appear to overshadow the principles of due process. It also highlights the need for judicial oversight to prevent misuse of investigative powers and protect personal liberty in cases attracting intense public scrutiny.

The petitioner has moved the Court seeking multiple directions in the wake of the death of Zubeen Garg. Key prayers include:

1. Transfer and consolidation of FIRs from Assam and other NE states to the CBI or NIA, with a retired SC judge supervising the probe.

2. Protection of the petitioner and his family from arrest, coercive action, and public/media harassment.

3. Submission of post-mortem and investigation reports from Singapore.

4. Restraint on registration of FIRs or court proceedings on the same cause of action.

5. De-sealing of the petitioner’s residence, unfreezing of bank accounts, and suspension of the lookout circular to allow travel.

6. Directives to social, print, and digital media to refrain from publishing prejudicial reports until investigation concludes.