Lakhimpur Kheri Case: UP counsel tells SC 'grave' offence, but Ashish Mishra 'no flight risk'; court reserves orders challenging bail
FirstpostDuring the hearing, CJI Ramana asked Jethmalani to make the stand of the Uttar Pradesh government clear on whether it was supporting or opposing the bail plea New Delhi: The Supreme Court Monday reserved orders in a petition seeking cancellation of bail to Ashish Mishra, son on Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni, accused of running over farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri on 3 October, 2021. “Last time we asked you, you said you opposed the bail,” the CJI said, to which Jethmalani responded, “Yes, we vehemently opposed.” To recall, the Supreme Court last week had sought the UP government’s response and had also pointed out, “It appears from the report of the monitoring judge that he recommended filing an appeal for cancellation of bail.” The CJI then asked, “We are not forcing you to file a SLP. But what is your stand?” Jethmalani said the Special Investigation Team probing the case had asked the Uttar Pradesh government to appeal against the Allahabad High Court verdict, but the same did not impress them. Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave, representing the families of the victims, said that the High Court while granting bail to Mishra failed to consider relevant facts and the order “suffers from gross non application of mind.” He further told the apex court that the Allahabad High Court examined unnecessary issues relating to bullet injuries on the victims, which were not relevant considerations in a bail matter.