The All Assam Lawyers’ Association has decided to reconsider its earlier stand of not representing the accused persons in the alleged murder case of noted artist Zubeen Garg. The move comes after a formal request was submitted by Anita Deka Mahanta, the wife of accused Shyamkanu Mahanta, seeking a review of the decision taken by the legal body.
Speaking to the media, the General Secretary of the association, Deepak Das, said that the earlier decision to refrain from representing the accused was taken keeping social responsibility in mind. He clarified that it was not based on professional limitations but on the larger public sentiment surrounding the case. However, after receiving a written application from Anita Deka Mahanta, the association has decided to reopen the matter for discussion.
According to Das, the application requests the lawyers’ body to reconsider its stand and allow legal representation for her husband. In her appeal, Anita Deka Mahanta has reportedly mentioned her husband’s involvement in social activities in Assam and urged the association to review the decision on humanitarian and legal grounds. Following the submission of the application, the association has agreed to hold fresh consultations with senior advocates and members of the bar. 
The General Secretary stated that a final decision will be taken only after detailed discussions with senior lawyers. Until these consultations are completed, the association’s previous resolution of not representing the accused will continue to remain in effect.
Meanwhile, the legal process in the Zubeen Garg case has moved ahead with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) filing a chargesheet before the court on Friday. With the filing of the chargesheet, the case has formally entered the trial stage and will now be examined by the judiciary.
Officials involved in the investigation said the chargesheet is extensive and the result of a detailed probe. The document reportedly runs into around 2,500 pages and is supported by more than 12,000 pages of additional documentary and digital evidence. The chargesheet has been filed against seven accused persons under four legal provisions.
According to the prosecution, the evidence collected includes oral statements, digital data, medical reports and financial records. Digital evidence comprises material recovered from mobile phones and laptops, CCTV footage and WhatsApp communications, which investigators believe are relevant to the case.
