New Delhi: The SC on Wednesday heard the petition challenging the Allahabad HCs relief granted to Lakhimpur Kheri violence accused Ashish Mishra. Hearing the submissions, the apex court today posted the matter for further hearing on March 24th.
It directed the Uttar Pradesh government counsel to ensure witnesses in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case are protected and also agreed to examine a plea filed by the family members of the farmers, mowed down by an SUV owned by the accused.
A special bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli took note of the submissions that one of the witnesses has been attacked on 10th March and asked the state to ensure the protection of witnesses of the case. The instructions were demanded the UP govt counsel file a detailed counter affidavit on the matter.
Three family members of farmers who were killed in the violence have sought a stay on the February 10 bail order of the high court, saying the verdict was “unsustainable in the eyes of law as there has been no meaningful and effective assistance by the state to the court in the matter”. The plea contended that the family members were forced to move to the apex court since the UP government had failed to file an appeal challenging bail granted to Misra and argued that bail was given without considering the heinous nature of the crime. It further stated the likelihood of the accused tampering the shreds of evidence and altercating the facts.