The Supreme Court on Monday directed the government of Uttar Pradesh to file a counter-affidavit on the bail application of Ashish Mishra, son of Union MInister Ajay Mishra, in connection with the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, in which four farmers were killed during a farmer’s stir in October last year.
The Bench of Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice B.V. Nagarathna passed the order on Mishra’s plea, which challenged the July 26 order of the Allahabad High Court, denying him regular bail.
Representing Mishra, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi contended that the state was yet to file its counter.
Appearing for the victims, Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave submitted that there were indications to show that the crime was premeditated.
Earlier on September 6, the top court of the country had issued notice to the State of Uttar Pradesh in the matter.
The Bench of Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M.M. Sundresh had passed the order on a petition filed by Mishra, challenging the Allahabad High Court order of July 26, denying bail to Mishra.
Mishra had moved the High Court, after the order by the earlier court was set aside by the Supreme Court in April, 2022.
The Apex Court had then ordered a fresh consideration of his bail plea by the High Court.
Mishra was directed by the Court to surrender within a week.
The family members of the victims of Lakhimpur Kheri incident had moved the Supreme Court, challenging the bail order of Ashish Mishra.
The incident took place on October 3, 2021 in Lakhimpur Kheri, which led to death of eight people, including four farmers.