Lakhimpur Kheri case | SC relieves monitoring judge, SIT of their responsibilities; says they have become functus officio

SC relieves SIT, Justice Jain of Lakhimpur Kheri killings case duties. Former HC judge monitored probe, SIT had urged UP to appeal against accused's bail. SC granted accused interim bail, imposed conditions to ensure fair trial and victims' right to justice.

The Supreme Court on September 18, 2023, relieved a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), which probed the Lakhimpur Kheri killings case, and former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge, Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain, who monitored the investigation, of their responsibilities.

A Bench headed by Justice Surya Kant recorded that the investigation was over, charge sheet were filed on the basis of two FIRs and the trial court had commenced proceedings. The Supreme Court, which is monitoring the case, said the trial judge has been sending periodic status reports.

“It appears the SIT has become functus officio [accomplished their purpose]. Members of the SIT and Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain can be relieved of their responsibilities,” the court observed in its order.

The court however said the SIT could be reconstituted in future in case it was found necessary.

Union Minister Ajay Mishra’s son Ashish Mishra is an accused in the case. The prosecution case is that an SUV allegedly belonging to Mr. Mishra’s convoy mowed down farmers protesting controversial agricultural laws in a rally at Lakhimpur Kheri district in Uttar Pradesh on October 3, 2021.

Former Punjab and Haryana High Court Judge Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain was appointed as monitoring judge of the probe to “ensure transparency, fairness and absolute impartiality”. The retired judge’s appointment was meant to assure “full and complete justice to the victims of crime”.