Supreme Court strongly criticizes delay in forensic report of audio tapes allegedly linking Manipur CM to ethnic violence. Bench warns Centre of strict action if report isn’t submitted before next hearing.
New Delhi: On August 4, the Supreme Court has raised a serious question to the central government: why has the latest forensic science laboratory (FSL) report on the authenticity of audio clips allegedly involving former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in the ethnic violence not been received even after three months?
During the hearing before Justices Sanjay Kumar and Satish Chandra Sharma, the petitioner’s lawyer, Prashant Bhushan, argued that a year has passed since the emergence of these tapes, yet no official verification report has been presented. The case was also reported by Live Law.
Court Ordered Report in May, But Still No Progress
Back in April, a bench led by then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar expressed dissatisfaction with the preliminary Central FSL report presented during a hearing on a petition filed by the ‘Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust’. The court demanded a more reliable and updated report.
However, during the latest hearing, the lawyer representing the government requested two more weeks to submit the report. Justice Kumar remarked,
“Was the report even received? We issued orders in May. It’s been three months. At least inform us if the report has reached the government.”
When the lawyer responded that it had not, the bench expressed its displeasure.
Justice Kumar said,
“Why is the FSL taking so long to analyze the voice recordings? This matter cannot be dragged on indefinitely,”
‘Truth Labs’ Had Already Submitted a Report
In February 2025, the court had asked the central government to submit an FSL report based on the audio tapes. Before that, the petitioners had submitted a report from a private forensic lab, ‘Truth Labs’, confirming the tapes’ authenticity. Based on that, the court demanded an official lab report as well.
The controversial tapes allegedly include statements by Biren Singh discussing the ethnic violence in his own voice. Yet the government has not publicly clarified its stance on the matter.
President’s Rule and Prior Judicial Directions
Against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, President’s Rule was imposed in February 2025. Days earlier, Biren Singh had resigned as Chief Minister.
Earlier, the bench comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra had asked petitioners to provide concrete evidence about the tapes. The Truth Labs report was submitted following that instruction.
Further Hearing to Expect Government’s Clarification
The Supreme Court has asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to appear in person and offer a detailed explanation in the next hearing, which has now been postponed.
CASE TITLE:
KUKI ORGANIZATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS TRUST vs UOI W.P.(C) No. 702/2024
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