SC seeks forensic report on alleged audio tapes linking Manipur CM to ethnic violence
PTC Web Desk: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the authorities to submit the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) report on audio recordings that allegedly link Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to inciting ethnic violence in the state. The report is to be presented in a sealed cover, as per the court’s instructions.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar issued the order while hearing a writ petition filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust. The petition seeks an independent investigation into the authenticity of the tapes, which allegedly feature N Biren Singh making inflammatory remarks. The matter is set for further hearing on March 24.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, cited findings from a private forensic lab, "Truth Labs," which reportedly verified the voice in the tapes as that of Biren Singh. Bhushan claimed the recordings captured the CM encouraging ethnic violence during a confidential meeting.
However, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta countered the claims, arguing that the petitioner should first approach the High Court. He stated that an FIR had already been registered and that a forensic examination of the tapes was in progress. Mehta also accused the petitioner of having separatist motives.
Chief Justice Khanna, while refraining from commenting on the contents or authenticity of the recordings, sought an update on the status of the forensic report. Bhushan, on the other hand, insisted that the findings of Truth Labs carried significant credibility.
The court order, as per reports from Live Law, stated, "Relist in the week commencing on March 24, 2025. It is pointed out that audio clips are sent for examination by CFSL. The report will be produced in a sealed cover."
Background of the Case
In November, the Supreme Court had asked a Manipur-based group to submit a sworn affidavit supporting its claim that a whistleblower had recorded Chief Minister Biren Singh instigating violence. The petitioners demanded a court-monitored probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to verify the allegations.
Meanwhile, the Manipur government has maintained that the clip is fake and has launched a police investigation to determine its origins.
- With inputs from agencies