The Supreme Court of India expressed its disappointment on Friday over the slow pace of the trial concerning the 2021 Lakhimpur violence case, which involved Ashish Mishra, the son of former Union minister Ajay Mishra. The court highlighted the lack of witness production, noting that only 44 out of 131 witnesses have been examined, with 72 still pending. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi demanded a status report from the presiding trial judge, questioning the absence of witnesses despite bailable warrants issued to secure their presence. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the victims, indicated that there are concerns about witness intimidation by state police, which could be affecting their testimonies. The court has directed the trial judge to take lawful measures to ensure witness attendance and comply with witness protection protocols. The next hearing is set for July, as the court aims to expedite the trial process. The incident occurred on October 3, 2021, during a protest against Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's visit, resulting in the deaths of eight people, including four farmers.