The Supreme Court on Friday expressed its disappointment over the non-production of key witnesses in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, which resulted in the deaths of eight people, including four farmers, in October 2021. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh sought a status report from the Uttar Pradesh government on the progress of the investigation and the protection provided to witnesses.
Court's Observations
During the hearing, the bench noted that several witnesses had not been produced before the court despite repeated directions. The court expressed concern over the delay and the alleged lack of cooperation from the state authorities. The bench remarked that the non-production of witnesses was a serious matter and could impact the trial's fairness.
Witness Protection
The Supreme Court also emphasized the need for adequate witness protection, stating that the state government must ensure the safety of those who come forward to testify. The court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to file an affidavit detailing the measures taken to protect witnesses and the steps taken to ensure their presence in court.
Background of the Case
The Lakhimpur Kheri violence occurred on October 3, 2021, when a convoy of vehicles carrying farmers was allegedly attacked by the supporters of Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni. The incident led to the death of eight people, including four farmers, a journalist, and a driver. The case has been politically sensitive, with opposition parties accusing the state government of shielding the accused.
Next Hearing
The Supreme Court has listed the matter for further hearing after four weeks and directed the state government to submit a compliance report. The court also warned that if the witnesses are not produced in the next hearing, it may consider issuing contempt proceedings against the concerned officials.
