The FIR concerning alleged witness intimidation was lodged by the Uttar Pradesh Police in October 2023 after the Supreme Court had criticised the police for not acting on a complaint made by Baljinder Singh, who claimed he was threatened to withdraw his statement in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case. The Court had rejected the police’s explanation that the witness did not come forward to record his statement and directed a senior officer to approach the complainant directly. Subsequently, the Assistant Superintendent of Police, Lakhimpur, traced Baljinder Singh at Muktasar in Punjab and recorded his statement. Based on that statement, the police registered an FIR under Sections 195‑A, 506 and 120‑B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Status Report Filed by the State

During the hearing of Ashish Mishra’s bail plea, the State filed a status report detailing the progress of the investigation into the witness‑intimidation FIR. The report informed the Bench that the investigation had been completed and that no evidence had been uncovered to suggest the involvement of Ashish Mishra, his father Ajay Mishra, or any other persons named in the complaint. The Bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, recorded the contents of the status report on the record.

The report further noted that a chargesheet had been filed against one Amandeep Singh in connection with the alleged intimidation and that the competent court had taken cognisance of that chargesheet. However, with respect to the alleged role of Ashish Mishra, Ajay Mishra and other individuals, the investigation concluded that there was no basis to implicate them in the offence.

Court’s Observations and Directions

After considering the status report, the Bench granted the complainant, Baljinder Singh, a period of two weeks to file an additional affidavit in response to the police’s findings. The Court emphasized that the complainant would be afforded an opportunity to place any further material on record before the matter proceeded further. The Bench also reiterated that Ashish Mishra remains on bail as granted by the Supreme Court, and that the Court continues to monitor the progress of the principal trial relating to the Lakhimpur Kheri violence incident of 3 October 2021.

Legal Implications of the Police Findings

The police’s conclusion that there is no evidence linking Ashish Mishra or Ajay Mishra to the alleged witness‑intimidation offence has a direct bearing on the ongoing criminal proceedings. While the FIR under Sections 195‑A, 506 and 120‑B remains extant against Amandeep Singh, the lack of incriminating material against the Mishra duo means that the State cannot rely on the witness‑intimidation charge to substantiate any allegations of obstruction of justice in the principal case. The Court’s decision to allow the complainant additional time to respond ensures that the procedural safeguards under the Code of Criminal Procedure are observed, permitting the complainant to contest the police’s findings if he possesses further material.

The principal case, which stems from the October 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri incident in which eight persons, including four farmers, lost their lives after vehicles allegedly linked to Ashish Mishra ran over protesting farmers, continues to be heard. Ashish Mishra remains on bail granted by the Supreme Court, and the Court’s monitoring of the trial’s progress remains unchanged. The outcome of the witness‑intimidation probe does not affect the bail order but may influence the broader narrative surrounding the case as it proceeds toward trial.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court, having been apprised of the Uttar Pradesh Police’s status report, recorded the finding that no evidence implicates Ashish Mishra or Ajay Mishra in the alleged witness‑intimidation offence. The Court has afforded the complainant an opportunity to file a supplemental affidavit within two weeks, after which it will consider any further submissions. The bail granted to Ashish Mishra remains operative, and the Court continues to oversee the principal trial arising from the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.