SC disappointed over slow pace of trial in 2021 Lakhimpur case

The matter was scheduled for next hearing in July 2026.

In the separate criminal case against four farmers, 26 witnesses have deposed and nine are yet to be examined.

The Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed disappointment at the non-production of witnesses in the ongoing trial against Ashish Mishra and others. It noted the UP government affidavit stating 44 witnesses examined, 15 discharged and 72 to be produced, and urged the state to explain progress since March 9. The court allowed trial courts to summon more witnesses on a single day, directed the investigating officer to file a status report within four weeks, and ordered full compliance with witness protection. It also urged a timely conclusion of the main case and the cross-case involving farmers. The matter is scheduled for next hearing in July.

The bench asked what had been done from March 9 to May 4, including whether any evidence had been recorded during the interregnum, and what progress had been made in the interim.

An affidavit presented by advocate Ruchira Goel for the Uttar Pradesh government stated that in the main case against Ashish Mishra, out of 131 witnesses, 44 have been examined, 15 discharged and 72 are still to be produced; the position matches the March 9 affidavit.

Eight people, including four farmers, were killed in Tikunia, Lakhimpur Kheri district, during a protest against Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya’s visit. Four farmers were mowed down by a sports utility vehicle; a driver and two BJP workers were allegedly lynched by angry farmers; a journalist also died in the violence.

Ashish Mishra, son of former Union minister Ajay Mishra, was arrested within six days of the Oct 3, 2021 incident.