New Delhi, Oct 5: The Supreme Court directed the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court to take prompt measures regarding allegations concerning the presiding officer in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, reviewed the administrative progress regarding complaints that the presiding judge had reassigned select criminal matters to his court and granted acquittals.
The apex court maintained that the High Court leadership should proceed with appropriate evaluation as per previous judicial directives and submit a formal report through the Registrar (Vigilance) in a sealed cover.
Additionally, the top court instructed the Uttar Pradesh administration to facilitate the early appointment of a new public prosecutor to ensure the smooth conduct of the trial proceedings.
Legal representatives appearing for the victims asserted that procedural irregularities needed judicial oversight, while counsel for the defense maintained that significant witness examinations had already concluded under the trial judge.
The Supreme Court affirmed that it was not offering observations on the merits of the allegations at this stage, setting the next hearing date after two weeks to review further administrative updates.
