New Delhi, October 09, 2021 (PPI-OT): The Supreme Court of India came down heavily on the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government and expressed its dissatisfactions with the composition of the Special Investigating Team (SIT) set up to investigate Lakhimpur Kheri killings of farmers.

Chief Justice N.V. Ramana, heading a bench also comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Hima Kohli, also pulled up the SIT for its soft paddling and accommodating approach towards the accused Ashish Mishra – son of Indian Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra – while asking him to appear before it for questioning on his alleged involvement in the incident.

The court said, “We expect responsible government and police”. It mocked the way the SIT was telling Ashish Mishra to “Please come and tell us” and gave him more time to appear before it after he did not appear in the first instance. “When there is a serious allegation of death or gunshot injury, will other accused in this country be treated the same way?” the court asked senior lawyer Harish Salve who was appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government.

The hearing witnessed the court making it clear that the present SIT is unsatisfactory and has to go, but handing over the matter to CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) did not find favour with it, with Harish Salve summing up the mood of the court saying, “Pudding (SIT) has to be remade to make it palatable.”

The court directed the Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh to ensure that all the evidence is protected and preserved. “They should be told they don’t destroy evidence or do anything negative. Communicate it to them,” CJI told Harish Salve who in turn assured that he will personally communicate it.

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