SC notice to UP on Ashish Mishra bail on killing of farmers at Lakhimpur Kheri.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government and sought its reply after hearing a bail plea filed by Ashish Mishra, an accused in the killing of farmers at Lakhimpur Kheri.
A two-judge Bench headed by Justice Indira Banerjee sought the state government’s reply by September 26.
Former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Mishra, told the Supreme Court bench that he was not heard completely by the Allahabad High Court over the incident of violence that led to the death of farmers.
“I would like to request you to hear (my case),” Rohatgi pleaded, upon which the Supreme Court agreed to issue the notice.
Mishra, the son of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra Teni, was declined bail by the Allahabad High court on July 26 after which he had to knock the doors of the Supreme Court in August last week, seeking relief and bail.
Mishra said there was no possibility of hampering and tempering with the prosecution witnesses, and that 98 witnesses and their family members have been provided protection.
Mishra was arrested on October last year and the chargesheet in the case claimed the killings were “pre-planned”.
The prosecution said Mishra came in a SUV along with a convoy of three or four cars on October 3 last year and allegedly mowed down the protesting farmers against the now repealed farm laws.
