Lakhimpur Kheri Violence Case: Supreme Court Allows Ashish Mishra to Visit Hometown for Diwali

The Supreme Court on Monday granted permission to Ashish Mishra, the main accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case and son of former Union Minister Ajay Mishra, to visit his hometown to celebrate Diwali with his family members. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana emphasized that proceedings in the case should be completed in a timely and balanced manner. "The trial should neither be unduly rushed nor face prolonged delays. The prosecution must maintain a proper balance," the bench remarked during the hearing. Temporary Relief Under Prescribed Bail Conditions Ashish Mishra is currently out on bail, but his bail conditions restricted him from entering his hometown of Lakhimpur Kheri. Responding to an appeal presented by Mishra's counsel, Siddharth Dave, the apex court bench ordered that the petitioner be allowed to visit Lakhimpur Kheri for Diwali subject to the previously imposed bail conditions. During the proceedings, counsel representing the Uttar Pradesh government informed the court that the Allahabad High Court had transferred the trial judge, and a new public prosecutor had been appointed to handle the case. The court was further updated that statements from 90 out of the total 131 witnesses have already been recorded. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing on behalf of the victims, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the trial. Background of the 2021 Violence The case dates back to October 3, 2021, when violence erupted in Tikunia, Lakhimpur Kheri district, during a demonstration by farmers protesting a visit by former Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. Four farmers were killed after an SUV ran over them. In the ensuing violence, an angry mob allegedly beat to death the vehicle's driver and two BJP workers. A journalist also lost his life, bringing the total death toll from the incident to eight. In December 2023, the trial court framed charges against Mishra and 12 co-accused for murder, criminal conspiracy, and other related offences. Earlier on August 6, the Supreme Court had declined to grant further relaxations in Mishra's bail terms.