The Supreme Court of India has granted permission to Ashish Mishra, the prime accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, to visit Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh for the Diwali festivities.

A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan relaxed the stringent bail conditions previously imposed on Mishra, permitting him a brief stay in his native district to spend the festive period with his family, subject to specific compliance mandates.

Bail Conditions and Court Directives

Under the court's earlier bail orders, Mishra had been barred from entering Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Territory of Delhi, except for court appearances, to prevent any risk of influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence related to the ongoing trial.

Relaxing the geographic restriction temporarily, the top court underscored that the concession is strictly limited to the festive window. The bench directed that:

* Mishra must refrain from addressing the public, engaging with media personnel, or participating in political gatherings during his visit. * He must avoid direct or indirect contact with any witnesses connected to the case. * He is obligated to surrender back to his designated jurisdictional location immediately upon the expiry of the sanctioned leave.

Background of the Lakhimpur Kheri Incident

Ashish Mishra, son of former Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar Mishra 'Teni', is facing trial in connection with the tragic events of October 3, 2021, in Tikunia, Lakhimpur Kheri.

Eight individuals, including four farmers demonstrating against now-repealed agricultural laws, a local journalist, and three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, were killed after a convoy of vehicles ran over protesters, sparking widespread clashes.

Mishra was arrested shortly after the incident and subsequently spent over a year behind bars before the Supreme Court granted him interim bail in January 2023, citing his right to personal liberty alongside the slow progression of the trial court proceedings. The court has maintained periodic oversight on the pace of witness examinations, repeatedly reminding all parties to ensure a fair and expeditious trial.