The Supreme Court was apprised on Monday (October 26, 2026) that the trial judge hearing the Lakhimpur Kheri killings case, involving the son of a former Union Minister in the array of prime accused, has been transferred out.
The move came after a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant in September asked the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court to look into allegations levelled in an application filed by victims, through advocate Prashant Bhushan, against the judicial officer. In September, Mr. Bhushan alleged that the judicial officer in question had withdrawn several cases involving offences under the narcotics and SC/ST atrocities laws to himself and acquitted the accused persons concerned. Mr.
On Monday (October 26, 2026), the apex court agreed to allow Ashish Mishra to return to Lakhimpur Kheri to join his family for Deepavali festivities.
Bhushan had also alleged that the presiding officer issued a non-bailable warrant against his client after he failed to appear before the court on account of illness.
The counsel for the State of Uttar Pradesh submitted that 90 of the 131 witnesses in the case have been examined. Over 41 were left. In December 2023, the trial court framed charges against Mishra and 12 others, including charges of murder, criminal conspiracy and other offences, paving the way for the commencement of the trial. When interim bail was initially granted in January 2023, the Supreme Court had directed that Ashish Mishra must not stay in Uttar Pradesh or enter Lakhimpur Kheri, except specifically to attend trial proceedings or court hearings.
The State said a Special Public Prosecutor has been appointed for the trial. The Court said the trial court must hear the case expeditiously.
