New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard the case concerning the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri on October 3rd, in which 8 people were killed including 4 farmers during a protest. So far, 10 accused have been arrested in connection with the case, including Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Misra’s son Ashish Misra. After 2 lawyers wrote a letter to the Chief Justice of India requesting a high-level judicial enquiry into the occurrence, a bench consisting of Chief Justice N V Ramana, Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli was constituted to hear the case.
Uttar Pradesh government was grilled by Supreme Court on the killing of farmers during a protest in Lakhimpur Kheri, telling them sharply to “dispel the feeling that you are dragging your feet.” The Lakhimpur Kheri violence case’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) released photos of 6 people suspected of being involved in the violent riots. “This should not be an endless story,” the Supreme Court observed, ordering the Uttar Pradesh government to preserve and record all witnesses statements. The state administration was also directed by the Supreme Court to provide a status report on who had been arrested and for what offence.
CJI NV Ramana chastised the Uttar Pradesh administration for failing to file a status report while hearing the Lakhimpur Kheri case today. He said, “We waited until late last night, but nothing was submitted.” Ramana, the Chief Justice of India, stated, “The status report that was submitted has been reviewed. Senior counsels claim that comments will be recorded under section 164, and they have requested extra time to gather more information.” The apex court has now scheduled the case to be heard again on October 26th.