New Delhi, October 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Supreme Court on Monday allowed Ashish Mishra, the prime accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, to visit his hometown in Uttar Pradesh to celebrate Diwali with his family and close relatives. He has been directed to return by November 16, subject to the existing bail conditions.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana granted Mishra’s request after senior advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for him, submitted that similar relaxations had been granted on previous festive occasions.
During the hearing, the Uttar Pradesh government informed the court that a Special Public Prosecutor had been appointed for the case.
Emphasising the need for a fair and timely trial, the Bench said the proceedings should neither be rushed nor allowed to suffer prolonged delays. “Let the trial be timely concluded. There should not be a tearing hurry, but there also should not be prolonged delay,” the court observed, stressing that the prosecution must maintain a balance.
The hearing also addressed the transfer of the trial judge, whose conduct had previously been questioned by the victims’ side. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the victims, expressed satisfaction with the developments, while Dave argued that the transfer was a routine administrative exercise and did not reflect any adverse finding against the judge.
The Supreme Court clarified that it was not casting aspersions on anyone and said the corrective measures taken by the Allahabad High Court were sufficient.
The issue arose after the apex court, on September 22, forwarded an application raising concerns about the trial judge’s conduct to the Allahabad High Court for appropriate action and sought a report in a sealed cover.
The case stems from the violence on October 3, 2021, in Lakhimpur Kheri, in which eight people were killed during a farmers’ protest linked to the visit of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. According to the police FIR, four protesting farmers were allegedly run over by an SUV in which Mishra was seated.
The Supreme Court granted Mishra interim bail in January 2023 with stringent conditions, made it absolute in July 2024 and subsequently relaxed certain restrictions on his movements and family visits.
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