The Supreme Court on Friday expressed its disappointment over the non-production of witnesses in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, noting that no witnesses have been examined in the trial for around two months. The court made the observation while hearing a plea related to the case, which involves the deaths of several people during a protest in October 2021.
Court's Observations
A bench of Justices emphasized the need for a speedy trial and said that the delay in examining witnesses is a matter of concern. The court noted that the trial court had been directed to expedite the proceedings, but progress has been slow. The bench remarked that the prosecution must ensure the presence of witnesses to avoid further delays.
Background of the Case
The Lakhimpur Kheri violence case stems from an incident on October 3, 2021, when eight people, including four farmers, a journalist, and a driver, were killed after a car driven by Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni's son Ashish Mishra ran over protesting farmers. Ashish Mishra is an accused in the case. The incident sparked widespread outrage and political protests.
The Supreme Court has been monitoring the investigation and trial. Earlier, the court had transferred the case from a trial court in Lakhimpur Kheri to a court in Lucknow for a fair trial. The court had also directed that the trial be conducted on a day-to-day basis.
Prosecution's Response
During the hearing, the prosecution submitted that efforts are being made to produce witnesses, but some witnesses are reluctant to come forward due to fear. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the trial and asked the prosecution to take all necessary steps to ensure the examination of witnesses at the earliest.
The court also noted that the trial has been pending for a long time and that the victims' families are seeking justice. The bench said that any further delay would be detrimental to the interests of justice.
Next Hearing
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for the case in two weeks and directed the trial court to submit a progress report. The court also asked the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure adequate security for witnesses so that they can depose without fear.
The Lakhimpur Kheri case remains a significant legal and political issue, with the Supreme Court closely monitoring the proceedings to ensure a fair and speedy trial.
