The Supreme Court called for a comprehensive factual report from the registrar general of the Allahabad High Court regarding the procedural conduct and day-to-day progression of the trial court presiding over the sensitive Lakhimpur Kheri violence case. The directive follows urgent applications filed by victim families alleging inexplicable delays in recording key eyewitness testimonies and questionable procedural rulings during ongoing hearings.
A judicial bench headed by the Chief Justice observed that high-profile criminal trials involving loss of innocent lives and significant public interest demand unwavering adherence to judicial discipline and prompt scheduling. The apex court noted that prolonged evidentiary stages not only burden victim families but also increase the vulnerability of vital prosecution witnesses to intimidation and memory degradation.
The supreme bench instructed the district administration and judicial authorities in Uttar Pradesh to ensure that round-the-clock protective security arrangements provided to prosecution witnesses remain fully operational without dilution. The matter has been scheduled for follow-up review immediately upon receiving the confidential evaluation report from the High Court supervisory committee.
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Sources:
https://indianexpress.com/archive/2026/09/22/