Supreme Court on Lakhimpur case – Recent Developments

Supreme Court heard the Lakhimpur Kheri farmers’ killing case on November 8, 2021 for the third time in recent weeks. The court expressed dissatisfaction over how the case was being handled. Supreme court had registered the suo motu case.

Key Points

• During the previous hearing, on October 26, Supreme Court had questioned the UP government regarding why there were only 23 eyewitnesses to the violence on October 3 when supposedly thousands were present at the spot then.
• SC had directed the UP government to record statements of more witnesses and provide them protection.
• During November 8 hearing, Court was inclined to appoint a retired High Court judge to look after day-to-day investigation of the Lakhimpur Kheri case and the UP government has been asked to respond to this suggestion on November 12.

What is Lakhimpur case?

On October 3, 2021, eight people, including four farmers and a journalist, were killed during a farmers’ protest in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. An SUV, belonging to Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra, ran over the protesting farmers. His son, Ashish Mishra, is accused of driving the car.

Arrest of the accused

So far, 13 accused have been arrested, including the prime accuse Ashish Mishra.

Judicial Commission

Uttar Pradesh government had set up a one-member Judicial Commission to probe “the Lakhimpur Kheri incident”. Commission has been given two months’ time for it. Commission was set up by Governor by exercising the powers mentioned under section 3 of the Commissions of Enquiry Act, 1952.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2021