Lakhimpur violence, Supreme Court demands more action, less words from UP government

The Supreme Court on Thursday strongly criticised the UP government's lack of incentive to bring the murderers of protesting farmers in Lakhimpur to justice, citing that the accused should be treated as any other accused would be in the same position.

"We are not satisfied with the action so far," the court said. "What is the message that you are sending? Even in normal circumstances... will the police not go immediately and arrest the accused. Things have not proceeded the way they should have. It appears to be only words and not actions," Chief Justice NV Ramana said in a sharp rebuke.

The court said a CBI probe was not possible in the case for 'known reasons'. The CBi had pointed out that the presence of local police officers in the Special Investigative Team could compromise the investigation for vested interests. Ashish Mishra, being the son of a minister, was being 'shielded' from justice as he had skipped questioning and was yet to be arrested the judge noted. The court agreed to hear the case once more after the Dussehra celebrations ended.

Harish Salve, who represented the UP government in the matter, agreed that "not enough had been done" in the case and that Ashish Mishra had been asked to present himself to the law at 11AM tomorrow, failing which the law could take action against him.