Guwahati, 23 June (HS): The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Assam government on a bail petition filed by Shyamkanu Mahanta, an event manager and chief organiser of the North East India Festival in Singapore, who is among the accused in a case linked to the death of noted Assamese singer Zubeen Garg.

A Bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi issued notice to the State government and granted three weeks' time to submit its reply. The matter has been posted for further hearing towards the end of July.

Mahanta moved the apex court after the Gauhati High Court declined to grant him bail on May 29, dismissing his plea in connection with the case.

With the Supreme Court now taking up the matter, the next hearing is expected to focus on the arguments presented by both the petitioner and the State government before a decision is taken on the bail request.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash