Supreme Court Grants Bail to Ashish Mishra in Lakhimpur Kheri Violence Case, Orders Trial Court to Expedite Hearing

Keywords: Ashish Mishra, Lakhimpur Kheri Violence, Supreme Court, Bail, Trial Court, Farmers’ Protest

Overview

On Monday, the Supreme Court granted bail to Ashish Mishra, the son of ex-Union Minister Ajay Mishra, in connection with the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence that resulted in the deaths of eight individuals. The court has restricted Mishra’s movement to Delhi or Lucknow and has urged the trial court to expedite the hearing of the case.

Background

The Lakhimpur Kheri incident occurred during a protest staged by farmers against the visit of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. The violence led to the deaths of four farmers who were allegedly run over by a sports utility vehicle. Subsequently, a driver and two BJP workers were lynched by angry farmers, and a journalist also lost his life in the chaos.

Supreme Court’s Ruling

Bail Granted:
A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan granted bail to Ashish Mishra, making the interim order from January 25, 2023, absolute. The court had initially given interim bail in light of the “unfortunate ghastly incident.”

Restrictions on Movement:
The court has limited Mishra’s movement to Delhi or Lucknow during the bail period to ensure he does not interfere with the investigation or influence witnesses.

Expediting the Trial:
Recognizing the slow progress of the trial, with only seven out of 117 witnesses examined so far, the Supreme Court directed the trial court to expedite the proceedings. The trial court has been instructed to set a schedule that prioritizes this case while considering other urgent matters.

Farmers’ Bail

The Supreme Court also granted bail to the farmers involved in the case. This decision aims to balance the scales of justice while ensuring that the legal process moves forward without unnecessary delays.

Court’s Observations

The bench emphasized the need for a swift trial, noting the gravity of the incident and the extensive public interest surrounding the case. The directive to expedite the trial is intended to provide timely justice to all parties involved and maintain public confidence in the judicial process.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Ashish Mishra and the farmers, while urging an expedited trial, underscores the importance of a balanced and timely judicial process. As the case progresses, the focus will remain on ensuring justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

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