A fast-track court in Uttar Pradesh's Surajpur has scheduled the next crucial hearing in the 2015 Mohammad Akhlaq lynching case for December 23. The court will deliberate on the state government's controversial application seeking to withdraw all charges against the accused.
Government's Move and Judicial Scrutiny
On October 15, 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government, through Joint Director Prosecution Brajesh Kumar Mishra, filed an application under Section 321 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The plea requests the court to allow the withdrawal of prosecution against all individuals accused in the lynching case. The government cited changes in witness statements and evidentiary issues as the primary grounds for this move.
During a previous hearing on December 12, Additional District Judge (ADJ) Saurabh Dwivedi had directed both sides to expedite the recording of all witness statements. The judge also made a significant remark, questioning the withdrawal of a case involving IPC Section 302 (murder). "Have you ever heard of a case under IPC 302 being withdrawn. Get an application," ADJ Dwivedi stated.
Prosecution's Objection and Case Timeline
The prosecution has formally opposed the state's petition. Prosecution lawyer Yusuf Saifi confirmed to The Indian Express that they have filed a two-page objection against the withdrawal application. "We were ready to argue, but the accused's lawyer demanded some more time after which the court decided on December 23," Saifi explained.
The tragic incident dates back to September 28, 2015, in Dadri's Bisada village. A mob gathered outside Akhlaq's home after an announcement from the local temple alleged he had slaughtered a cow. Mohammad Akhlaq (50) and his son Danish were dragged out and brutally assaulted. Akhlaq succumbed to his injuries at a Noida hospital, while Danish survived after major surgery for severe head injuries.
Based on a complaint by Akhlaq's wife, Ikraman, police registered an FIR under multiple IPC sections, including murder and attempt to murder. A chargesheet was filed on December 23, 2015, naming 15 accused. The case was transferred to a fast-track court in April 2016.
Key Arguments and Future Proceedings
The government's withdrawal application argues that the complainant and key witnesses—Akhlaq's wife, son, and daughter—have changed their statements regarding the number of accused. It also notes that both parties are residents of the same village, Bisada.
The court's decision on December 23 will be a pivotal moment in this long-running case that has drawn national attention. The hearing will determine whether the prosecution continues or if the state government's unprecedented request to drop murder charges is granted.
