The Supreme Court Monday directed police to inquire into allegations that Ashish Mishra, the son of former Union minister of state for home Ajay Mishra, violated his bail conditions by threatening witnesses in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case. Four anti-farm law protesters were killed when a convoy of vehicles, including one belonging to Ashish Mishra’s father, ran over them on October 3, 2021. Two BJP workers, the driver of one of the vehicles, and a journalist were also killed in the ensuing violence. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N K Singh was hearing a plea seeking the cancellation of Ajay Mishra’s bail. On November 27, the court asked him to respond to the charge of intimidating witnesses. On Monday, it asked the Superintendent of Police to submit a report after looking into the allegations as well as Mishra’s submissions denying the allegation. Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, representing Mishra, termed the allegations “publicity oriented”. Dave said Mishra was in the Lok Sabha secretariat during the time he was said to be influencing witnesses. “There can't be bigger proof,” he said. Appearing for the complainant, Advocate Prashant Bhushan said he wanted to provide some additional materials on record and suggested an officer of a higher designation than the SP should look into it. The court, however, said it would be better if the police looked into the material and took a view. Justice Kant said: “Let us trust the officers also.” The Allahabad High Court initially granted bail to Ashish Mishra in the case but the top court set aside the order after the family of some of the deceased approached it. The matter went back to the Allahabad High Court which dismissed the bail plea. On January 25, 2023, the Supreme Court granted Ashish Mishra interim bail, which was extended and made absolute on July 22, 2024.
