New Delhi/Chandigarh, November 27, 2024: The Supreme Court issued a notice to Ashish Mishra, the main accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, over allegations of threatening witnesses. The bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuiya, directed Mishra’s lawyer, Siddharth Dave, to file an affidavit addressing the claims.
Mishra, son of former Union Minister Ajay Mishra, is accused of playing a central role in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, which claimed eight lives. Currently out on bail, Mishra had been barred from staying in Delhi and Lucknow by the Supreme Court to prevent potential witness tampering. This restriction was later relaxed in September, allowing him to reside in the National Capital Region.
A fresh petition filed by a complainant alleges witness intimidation, prompting the court to seek Mishra’s response within four weeks. His lawyer has denied the accusations. Meanwhile, the court has reiterated its earlier directive to expedite hearings in the lower court concerning the case.
The Lakhimpur Kheri violence, which unfolded in Uttar Pradesh in 2021, remains one of the most contentious criminal cases in recent years, with its legal proceedings closely monitored nationwide.
