Lakhimpur Kheri violence: Supreme Court seeks report on trial judge’s conduct

The Supreme Court has asked the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court to investigate complaints from the families of victims killed during the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. The judge handling the trial of the main accused, Ashish Mishra, son of former Union Minister of State (MoS) Ajay Mishra, is under scrutiny for allegedly withdrawing cases under the SC/ST and NDPS Acts, granting bail to the accused, and intimidating a witness.

The court has also requested the appointment of a senior public prosecutor for the case. The families allege that the judge is biased and has been mishandling the proceedings, which could lead to an unfair acquittal of the accused. The Supreme Court, which has been monitoring the trial, has directed the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court to submit a report on the actions taken in the case within two weeks.