The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed Ashish Mishra, son of former Union Minister Ajay Mishra, to address allegations of witness intimidation in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, which claimed eight lives.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan instructed Mishra to file an affidavit within four weeks refuting the claims. Senior advocate Siddharth Dave, representing Mishra, denied the allegations and argued, “This is an endless process,” asserting that the accusations lack credibility.
Dave maintained that the alleged photographic evidence does not involve Mishra, stating, “It’s not me in the photographs. This is not for this court; this is for outside.”
The allegations were raised by a counsel for one of the complainants, who submitted that witnesses in the case were being threatened. The Supreme Court, while seeking Mishra’s affidavit, reiterated its earlier directive to ensure a fair trial.
Background of the Case
The Lakhimpur Kheri violence on October 3, 2021, erupted during protests against Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya’s visit to the district. Four farmers were allegedly mowed down by an SUV, sparking a violent backlash in which a driver, two BJP workers, and a journalist were killed.
Ashish Mishra, the primary accused, has been charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, and other offences alongside 12 others. On December 6, 2022, the trial court framed charges, paving the way for the trial to begin.
Supreme Court’s Involvement
The apex court had initially granted Ashish Mishra interim bail on January 25, 2022, emphasizing that he should not stay in Uttar Pradesh or Delhi during the bail period to prevent any undue influence on witnesses.
Later, on September 26, 2023, the court relaxed these conditions, allowing him to visit Delhi to care for his ailing mother and for his daughter’s treatment.
In July 2023, the court further extended Mishra’s bail and restricted his movement to Delhi and Lucknow. The trial court was also directed to expedite the hearing process.
The court’s focus on witness protection comes amid concerns of potential interference in the case. It previously sought progress updates from the trial court to ensure the trial advances without delay.
As the case progresses, the Supreme Court’s directive aims to uphold judicial integrity and ensure a fair trial for all parties involved.
