Did the Supreme Court Allow Ashish Mishra to Visit His Family Every Weekend?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Supreme Court's recent decision to allow Ashish Mishra, the main suspect in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, to visit his family every weekend has sparked discussions. This modification in bail conditions comes amid ongoing trial proceedings and witness examinations. Will this new development impact the case's trajectory?
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court modified Ashish Mishra's bail conditions.
- Mishra can now visit family every weekend.
- Restrictions on public functions remain in place.
- Trial proceedings are encouraged to expedite.
- Witness examination is ongoing.
New Delhi, May 8 (NationPress) The Supreme Court made a significant adjustment to the bail conditions of Ashish Mishra, the main defendant in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, permitting him to visit his family every weekend.
According to the ruling issued by a Bench of Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh, Mishra, son of a former Union Home Minister for State, can meet his family on Saturday evenings but must return by Sunday afternoon to Lucknow.
However, the Bench, led by Justice Kant, stipulated that Mishra is prohibited from participating in any public events in Lakhimpur Kheri aside from private family visits.
The apex court acknowledged the progress made in the case, stating that 16 witnesses, including 10 who were injured during the violence, have been examined. It advised the prosecution to consider reducing the number of formal witnesses to hasten the trial.
The court encouraged public scrutiny of the witness list to identify any unnecessary individuals who could potentially be eliminated.
Last July, the Supreme Court confirmed and solidified the interim bail granted to Ashish Mishra, noting that only seven of the 114 witnesses had been examined at that point.
The court urged the trial court to speed up the remaining proceedings and ordered Mishra to remain in Lucknow or Delhi exclusively.
In January 2023, the Supreme Court imposed several conditions while granting interim bail to Mishra, mandating that he leave Uttar Pradesh within a week of his release, refrain from staying in UP or Delhi/NCR, inform the court of his whereabouts, and warned that any attempts by him or his family to influence witnesses would result in bail cancellation.
The Supreme Court also required Mishra to surrender his passport and restricted his entry into UP except for trial proceedings. The prosecution, SIT, informant, or any victim's family member have the right to inform the court of any misuse of his bail privileges.
Later, the court relaxed Mishra's bail conditions, allowing him to remain in the national capital due to his mother’s hospitalization and his daughter’s medical needs.
In October 2021, violence in Lakhimpur Kheri District’s Tikunia resulted in the deaths of eight individuals during a protest against the visit of UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya.
The UP Police FIR states that four farmers were struck by an SUV in which Ashish Mishra was present.
Point of View
It is imperative to observe the Supreme Court's role in ensuring justice while balancing individual rights. The decision to modify Ashish Mishra's bail conditions reflects the complexities of the legal system in high-profile cases. The court's approach underscores the importance of witness protection and the expedited completion of trials in the interest of justice.
NationPress
15/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new bail conditions for Ashish Mishra?
The Supreme Court has permitted Ashish Mishra to visit his family every weekend while maintaining restrictions on public appearances and requiring him to return to Lucknow by Sunday.
Why was the bail condition modified?
The modification was made considering family medical emergencies, including his mother's hospitalization.
How many witnesses have been examined in the case?
To date, 16 witnesses, including 10 injured parties, have been examined.
What are the implications of this ruling?
This ruling may impact the trial's progress and raises questions about witness influence and the pursuit of justice.
What happened during the Lakhimpur Kheri violence?
In October 2021, eight people were killed during protests against the visit of a UP Deputy Chief Minister, with an SUV reportedly involving Ashish Mishra.
