Supreme Court Pulls Up UP Govt Over Delay in Witness Examination in Lakhimpur Kheri Violence Trial

May 8, 2026 : The Supreme Court on Friday expressed concern over the delay in the trial related to the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, noting that no witnesses have been examined for nearly two months in the proceedings against Ashish Mishra, son of former Union minister Ajay Mishra, and other accused persons.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the status report submitted by the Uttar Pradesh government failed to provide any explanation for the non-production of witnesses before the trial court.

“We direct the presiding judge to take lawful measures to secure the presence of witnesses,” the bench stated, while asking the trial court to make efforts to conclude the proceedings within a time-bound schedule. The Supreme Court also directed the presiding judge to submit a status report regarding the progress of the trial.

The Apex Court was hearing a plea connected to the Lakhimpur Kheri violence cases, in which trials are currently underway before a court in Uttar Pradesh.

The violence took place on October 3, 2021, in Tikunia area of Lakhimpur Kheri district during a protest by farmers against the visit of then Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. Eight people, including four farmers, lost their lives in the incident. The farmers were allegedly run over by an SUV, following which a driver and two BJP workers were allegedly lynched by protesting farmers. A journalist also died during the violence.

In December 2023, the trial court framed charges against Ashish Mishra and 12 others for offences including murder and criminal conspiracy in connection with the deaths of the farmers, paving the way for commencement of trial. (PTI)