Supreme Court directs Yogi govt to replace public prosecutor in Lakhimpur case

…government to replace the incumbent prosecutor with a senior public prosecutor having a “fair experience” of conducting trial within two weeks. The bench, also comprising justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, said, “ What is unusual is that on a given date when the witnesses are called, why should the public prosecutor give up those witnesses. They are eyewitnesses. This may not be a very fair prosecution if the public prosecutor gives up on witnesses. ” The order was passed on an application moved by the victims raising concerns over the prosecutor giving up on crucial witnesses and the presiding officer intimidating witnesses by issuing non-bailable warrants against…

…has invited scrutiny for withdrawing to himself cases under SC/ST and Prevention of Atrocities Act and Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Acts and granting bail and acquitting persons in many cases. “ There will be gross miscarriage of justice if this presiding officer continues. Even in this case, where a witness produced an illness slip along with a medical certificate, NBW was issued. The police went to the witness’ house and intimidated the family pursuant to which the witness does not want to appear anymore ,” Bhushan said, requesting the presiding officer to be changed. The court directed the application to be forwarded to the Allahabad high court chief justice as it said, “The registry of this court is directed to…