Lakhimpur Kheri Violence Case: SC Grants Bail To Ex-Minister’s Son Ashish Mishra, Orders Expedited Trial

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan noted that only seven out of the 117 witnesses have been examined so far and called for the need to expedite the trial proceedings.

"Taking into consideration all the attending circumstances, the interim order is made absolute ...We are informed that out of 117 witnesses, seven have been examined so far. In our view the trial proceedings need to be expedited,” the bench said.

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The Court directed the concerned trial court to prioritise this case while scheduling, keeping in mind other urgent matters. The Supreme Court also granted bail to farmers involved in the case.

"We direct the trial court to fix the schedule, keeping in view the other time-bound or urgent matters that are pending but prioritising the pending subject," the bench added.

Senior Advocate Siddhartha Dave, representing Ashish Mishra, argued that Ashish's father, Ajay Mishra, is no longer an MP or minister as he lost the elections. Therefore, the argument that Ashish Mishra could influence the trial is invalid.

Responding to it, the top court said, "You can be influential without your father being a Minister also."

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Lakhimpur Kheri Violence

The violence in Lakhimpur Kheri erupted when farmers protested against Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's visit to the area. The incident led to the deaths of eight individuals, including four farmers who were mowed down by a sports utility vehicle.

In retaliation, a driver and two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers were allegedly lynched by the protesting farmers. A journalist also lost his life in the violence, which sparked widespread outrage.