New Delhi, Aug. 17 -- The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Assam government to ensure a diligent and expeditious trial against Northeast Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, facing criminal charges in singer Zubeen Garg's death case.

A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan was informed by the State that the trial was being conducted on a day-to-day basis and that several key witnesses were expected to depose in the coming weeks.

Justice Nagarathna observed orally that the court was putting the State under pressure to ensure that the trial progressed and said that the bench would assess the progress made when the matter came up again.

The top court was hearing Mahanta's bail plea. It has now listed the bail plea for furth...