In Points: SC’s ruling over “brutal murder” of eight in Lakhimpur Kheri violence

As many as eight people were killed on Sunday in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri during a protest staged by farmers. Reportedly, a vehicle intentionally ploughed over the protestors killing farmers and a journalist. After that violence broke out, vehicles were set ablaze and three to four people were brutally lynched.

The farm union leaders have asserted that Union minister of State Ajay Mishra Teni’s son, Ashish was driving the vehicle that crushed farmers. Several viral videos on the internet support the claim of farmers, creating a political upheaval in the state.

Oppositions have united and shown a strong face in criticism of ruling BJP and police’s inactivity. Minister’s son has been booked with charges of murder but remains at large.

The police are still investigating, however, the Supreme Court is unsatisfied.

Here’s what SC ruled over the Lakhimpur Kheri violence

• The Supreme Court on Friday said it is "not satisfied with the steps taken by the state" in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, and expected a responsible government, system and police. The top court also observed that handing over the case to the CBI was not the solution.

• A bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and comprising Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli said: "Is this the way you treat the accused in other cases as well?...Sending notice".

The UP police had issued a notice to Ashish Mishra summoning him for questioning, which he did not show up to.

Also Read: Minister's son accused of running SUV over protesting farmers in Lakhimpur skips police’s summon

• The bench told Salve, "When there are serious allegations of murder and gunshot injury, how the accused in other parts of the country are treated. Please tell us."

• The bench further queried senior advocate Harish Salve, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, that has the state government made a request to give the case to the CBI?

• Salve replied that it is entirely in their hands. However, the bench told Salve: "CBI is also not a solution and you know the reason why...You find out better mode".
• Salve said the case is extremely serious. The bench replied: "If it is an extremely serious case that's not how things are taking place. It is only in words and not in action".

• According to the Supreme Court, it was a brutal murder of eight people and the law must take its course against all those involved. Due to the sensitivity of the issue, the court further said that it hopes that the UP government will take the required actions.

• Salve admitted before the top court that what has been done by the state is not satisfactory and remedial action will be taken soon, and urged the bench to put the matter for hearing immediately after the Dussehra vacation.

Also Read: Prashant Kishor’s word of caution to Gandhis after Lakhimpur visit

• The top court also took a strong objection to SIT formed in the matter, which comprises local officers.

The bench said it may not be required to keep the SIT anymore, and emphasized that they should not destroy evidence or do anything negative. Salve submitted that given the evidence in hand, allegations under Section 302, may possibly be true.

• SC told Salve that it will take up the matter after Dussehra vacation, 'but that does not mean the state holds its hands' and insisted that the state must take immediate steps.

• The bench said: "Because of the sensitivity of the issue, the state should understand, we aren't saying anything more".

• The apex court has listed the matter for further hearing on October 20.

• On Thursday, the top court had directed the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a status report indicating who are the accused named in the FIR filed in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case and whether they have been arrested or not.

Latest Update: Another notice has been posted outside the home of Union minister Ajay Kumar Mishra in Lakhimpur Kheri, asking that his son Ashish Mishra appear before the UP Police on October 9 at 11 a.m.