Lakhimpur Kheri Violence: SC Extends Interim Bail Of Accused Ashish Mishra Till July

The Supreme Court on Monday extended the interim bail of accused Ashish Mishra in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case until July 11.

The Apex Court stated that it may be impossible to direct the trial court to hold day-to-day hearings in the case because it would interfere with other cases pending there.

A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice J K Maheshwari referred to a letter from the trial court, noting that the lower court appeared to be dealing with the case seriously.

Background

Ashish Mishra, the son of Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni and an accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, was released from jail in January.

The release came after the Supreme Court granted him an eight-week interim bail. Mishra was then led out of the jail through the back gate, away from the gathered media.

On October 3, 2021, eight people were killed in Tikunia, Lakhimpur Kheri district, when farmers protested against the visit of then-Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya.

Four farmers were mowed down by an SUV in which Mishra was seated, according to a FIR filed by Uttar Pradesh police. The driver of the SUV and two BJP workers were allegedly lynched by enraged farmers. A journalist was also killed in the fighting.

Family members have refused to disclose where Mishra would relocate to after one week as per Supreme Court directives. In its verdict, the top court had directed Mishra to leave Uttar Pradesh within one week after his release from prison.

“Petitioner will give his passport to the trial court and will not enter the state of Uttar Pradesh, apart from his appearance for trial proceedings,” the bench ordered.

It also ordered the petitioner to report to the police station in the jurisdiction where he is relocating.

The division bench also warned Mishra and his family members that influencing witnesses would result in his bail being revoked. “If it is discovered that Mishra is attempting to delay the trial,” the bench stated, “it will be a valid ground to cancel his bail.”