Supreme Court Maintains Bail Restrictions On Ashish Mishra In Lakhimpur Case

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to relax the bail conditions imposed on Ashish Mishra, the prime accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant dismissed Mishra's plea seeking permission to visit his native place and attend family functions, stating that there was no sufficient ground to modify the existing conditions. Mishra, the son of former Union minister Ajay Mishra, had approached the Supreme Court seeking changes to the bail order passed in January 2023. His counsel argued that the restrictions had affected his ability to spend time with his family and attend important personal occasions, including his daughter's birthday celebrations and other family-related responsibilities.

During the hearing, the lawyer representing Mishra requested relaxation of the conditions that restrict his movement. The counsel argued that allowing him to visit his native place would enable him to fulfil family obligations while continuing to comply with other legal requirements imposed by the court. However, the bench headed by CJI Surya Kant rejected the request, observing that there was no reason to grant further relief. The court said that similar relaxations had already been provided earlier when Mishra was permitted to visit Lakhimpur during festival periods for a specific duration to spend time with his family.

The Supreme Court noted that after the permitted period ended, Mishra was required to return to Lucknow in accordance with the bail conditions. The bench said the existing arrangement was clear and did not find any justification for making further changes at this stage. The plea for modification of bail conditions came shortly after the Uttar Pradesh government cleared Mishra's name in connection with allegations that he had violated the terms of his bail. The allegations arose after one of his alleged associates was accused of attempting to threaten a witness in the case.

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The Lakhimpur Kheri violence took place in October 2021, when eight people, including four farmers, were killed during a protest against the now-repealed farm laws. The incident occurred in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri district and triggered widespread political reactions across the country. According to the prosecution case, a convoy allegedly linked to Ashish Mishra ran over protesting farmers, leading to deaths and subsequent violence. Mishra was arrested in connection with the case and later granted bail by the Supreme Court in January 2023 with specific conditions regarding his movement and presence outside Uttar Pradesh.

The case has remained politically sensitive due to Mishra's connection with a former Union minister and the involvement of farmers' groups. The Supreme Court has continued to monitor aspects of the proceedings while ensuring that the legal process moves forward. With the latest order, Mishra will continue to remain bound by the existing bail conditions. The court's decision means he will not receive additional permission to travel to his native place for family functions beyond the limited relaxations already granted during specific occasions.

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