SC BENCH EXPRESSED THEIR DISPLEASURE WITH THE MANNER IN WHICH THE UTTAR PRADESH GOVERNMENT IS HANDLING THE LAKHIMPUR KHERI INCIDENT

The Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli expressed their displeasure while hearing a petition registered based on letters seeking registration of an FIR in the Lakhimpur Kheri case. The Court said that the way the Uttar Pradesh government and police conducted the investigation did not seem that the authorities were serious.

Senior Advocate Harish Salve appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, informed the bench that Ashish Mishra, the accused who mowed down eight farmers with his car, has been asked to appear at 11 am tomorrow. Adv Salve further said that the post mortem did not show any bullet wounds and, therefore, a 160 CrPC notice was sent. But the way the car was driven, allegations are true. Section 302 case exists.

CJI Ramana replied, "when there are serious allegations of death or gunshot, will other accused in this country be treated the same way?" 

Justice Kant said, "It does not seem that the authorities are serious about the investigation; 8 innocents were brutally murdered. Law must take its course against all accused,"

The bench further asked whether the State had requested CBI to take over the matter. Salve replied the State had not made such a request. If you are not satisfied with the progress in the matter, the State will hand it over to the CBI. 

CJI Ramana then said, "We are not making comments. We have respect for you and hope the state will take the necessary steps due to the sensitivity of the matter. 

The bench further asked the DGP to protect the evidence by the time another investigating agency takes over.

BACKGROUND

On October 7, the Court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a status report on the FIR and arrests made in connection with the incident. The court was informed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been constituted along with Judicial inquiry. The bench also sought details of the PILs related to the incident pending before the Allahabad High Court. 

Author: Papiha Ghoshal