SC slams UP government over “dragging its feet” in Lakhimpur case

The Supreme Court on Wednesday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government and said that it was getting an impression that the Uttar Pradesh Police was “dragging its feet” in its investigation into the October 3 violence in Lakhimpur Kheri where eight persons, including four farmers, were killed during a farmers’ protest.

“We think you (UP Police) are dragging your feet. Please dispel that impression,” a Bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli observed.

The observation of the Bench came after noting that the statements of only four witnesses have been recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The apex court adjourned the hearing in the Lakhimpur Kheri case to October 26 and asked the SIT probing the case to record statements of other witnesses also under Section 164 CrPC. The top court questioned Senior Advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, why the statements of other witnesses were not recorded.

Salve then requested the Bench for time to record statements of witnesses and the case was adjourned to October 26.

The Bench pointed out that the Special Investigation Team will have to identify the vulnerable witnesses and provide them protection and record their statements under Section 164 CrPC, as it will have more evidentiary value.