Today, On 3rd February, The Supreme Court sought a forensic report on audio clips linked to Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh amid allegations of instigating violence. The request comes as part of the investigation into the ongoing clashes in the state. The court aims to verify the authenticity of the recordings.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court called for a forensic report on audio clips that allegedly feature Chief Minister N Biren Singh inciting ethnic violence.
The Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) is required to submit a forensic report on these audio tapes, which connect Biren Singh to the ethnic clashes in Manipur, to the Supreme Court in a sealed cover.
This directive for the lab report regarding the audio clips was issued by a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar.
The case is scheduled to be revisited in the week starting March 24.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, stated that the audio tapes were analyzed by “Truth Labs,” which confirmed that the voice on the recordings matches that of Chief Minister N Biren Singh with over 93 percent accuracy.
He claimed that the tapes reveal the Manipur chief minister stating that he permitted Meitei groups to loot the state armory and ensured their protection from arrest.
Bhushan noted that these comments were “unfortunately” recorded by an individual present at a closed-door meeting, and the recordings were later leaked, asserting that this represents a “serious issue” of the Chief Minister instigating and abetting ethnic violence.
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the state, reiterated his preliminary objection, suggesting that the petitioner should first address the matter in the High Court. He also mentioned that an FIR has been filed regarding the issue and that an investigation is ongoing. The investigating agency has reached out to the Twitter accounts that uploaded the recordings for verification, and the tapes have been sent for forensic examination.
Mehta further stated that “the petitioner appears to have certain ideological baggage and a separatist mindset.”
Chief Justice Khanna inquired,
“I haven’t examined the contents or the authenticity of the recordings. When will the CFSL reports be available?”
The Solicitor General responded that the forensic reports could be provided.
Bhushan countered, asserting that the “Truth Labs” report holds more credibility than any government agency’s findings.
The bench concluded the order by stating,
“Relist in the week commencing on March 24, 2025. It is noted that the audio clips have been sent for examination by the CFSL, and the report will be presented in a sealed cover.”
Manipur has been witnessing violent clashes since May 2023, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The conflict erupted following the Manipur High Court’s directive to consider granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community, which led to protests and violent confrontations. The violence resulted in loss of lives, displacement of thousands, and widespread destruction of property.
The controversy surrounding Chief Minister Biren Singh emerged after certain audio clips surfaced, allegedly containing remarks that could be interpreted as instigating violence. Critics argue that these recordings suggest his involvement in escalating tensions, while his supporters dismiss the allegations as politically motivated.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court demanding an investigation into the authenticity of the audio clips. The petitioners claim that if the clips are genuine, they could indicate the state leadership’s complicity in the violence.
The Supreme Court’s demand for a forensic report on the audio clips linked to CM Biren Singh marks a critical juncture in the ongoing Manipur crisis. As the state continues to grapple with violence and communal tensions, ensuring transparency and accountability in leadership remains paramount.
The findings of the forensic investigation will play a decisive role in determining the next legal and political steps in this high-profile case.
Case Title : KUKI ORGANIZATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS TRUST Vs UNION OF INDIA | W.P.(C) No. 702/2024
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