BNSS Section 208 sanction paves way for comprehensive chargesheet in Zubeen death case

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the mysterious death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg has incorporated a crucial legal provision from the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to advance the investigation. SIT chief Munna Prasad Gupta on Tuesday, November 18, stated that Section 208 of the BNSS has been invoked in the case following a directive from the Union Home Minister.

Gupta explained that Section 208 mandates prior approval from the Central Government for courts to take cognizance of offences committed outside India. “This sanction will play a pivotal role in enabling the filing of a comprehensive chargesheet before the court,” he said, adding that the SIT is on track to submit the chargesheet against all accused persons by December 10.

The development was earlier confirmed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who announced on his official X handle that the Union Home Ministry has granted the required approval to proceed under Section 208 of the BNSS in relation to Zubeen Garg’s death in Singapore. Sarma noted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had formally sanctioned the provision, paving the way for lawful and decisive legal action.

“Section 208, in simple terms, allows the case to proceed in India only after the Central Government’s sanction when a crime occurs outside the country,” the Chief Minister wrote. He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment: “We remain fully committed to filing the chargesheet against the accused persons by December 10, 2025.”