New Delhi: The Supreme Court recently declined to intervene in the judgment of the Allahabad high court, affirming the acquittal of Union minister Ajay Mishra ‘Teni’ in the murder case of Samajwadi Party youth leader Prabhat Gupta in 2000.
Mishra, who is a member of parliament from Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh and holds the Union minister of state for home affairs portfolio in the Narendra Modi government, had his acquittal reaffirmed by the high court.
Efforts to challenge the high court’s judgement in the Supreme Court were dismissed, leading to disappointment for the deceased’s brother, Rajeev Gupta, who had pursued justice for his brother in a long legal battle.
The murder case dates back to 2000, when Mishra was a BJP worker in the Terai district of Lakhimpur Kheri. He, along with three associates, was accused of the crime. Despite the legal battle being protracted with many delays, the high court upheld the acquittal and dismissed appeals against it last year.
This is not the first time Mishra has faced legal scrutiny, as he and his son were linked to a tragic incident in 2021, where a convoy of cars allegedly mowed down farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri. The incident resulted in public outcry and further criticism of Mishra’s political career.
In the face of these legal challenges and public scrutiny, Mishra has adamantly maintained his innocence, stating that all cases against him have concluded in his favor.
The legal battle over the murder case continues to be a highly contentious issue, particularly in light of Mishra’s role as a prominent figure in Indian politics and his recent legal troubles. The pursuit of justice for the deceased seems to remain an elusive goal, as the legal system struggles to deliver closure for the victims and their families.
If the highest authority in the country, the SC, will not interfere, then where will people like us go for justice? Where will the victims go? Rajeev Gupta asked, echoing the frustrations of many who seek accountability in the face of such high-profile legal cases.
In the end, the complex and long-drawn legal battle over the murder case involving Mishra has yet to provide closure for the family of the victim, leaving questions of justice and accountability to linger. The high court’s decision to uphold the acquittal, as well as the Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene, highlights the ongoing challenges in seeking justice in high-profile legal cases.