Supreme Court Seeks Forensic Report On Manipur CM's Alleged Audio Clips Linking Him To Ethnic Violence

The Supreme Court on Monday, directed the submission of a Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) report regarding the examination of certain audio tapes that allegedly contain statements implicating Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh in the state's ethnic violence.

The report is to be submitted in a sealed cover, reported Live Law.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar issued the order in response to a writ petition filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust, which is seeking an independent investigation into the audio recordings.

The case is scheduled to be heard again in the week commencing March 24, 2025.

Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Prashant Bhushan argued that the tapes had been examined by 'Truth Labs', which determined with over 93% certainty that the voice belonged to Biren Singh.

He stated that, in the recordings, the Chief Minister could be heard saying that he had permitted Meitei groups to loot the state's armoury and ensured their protection from arrest.

Bhushan asserted that these remarks had been "unfortunately" recorded by an individual present in the closed-door meeting and were later leaked. He described the matter as a "serious issue" that demonstrated the Chief Minister's role in instigating and abetting ethnic violence.

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the state, reiterated his preliminary objection that the petitioner should first approach the High Court.

He further informed the court that an FIR had already been registered regarding the matter and that an investigation was in progress.

The investigating agency had also contacted the X accounts that had uploaded the audio recordings for verification. The tapes had been sent for forensic examination.

Additionally, the SG alleged that the petitioner was carrying an "ideological baggage" with a "separatist mindset" and stated that even the judges' panel appointed by the Supreme Court had raised concerns about certain civil society organisations attempting to "keep the pot boiling."

Chief Justice Khanna enquired about the timeline for the forensic report's completion, asking, "I have not gone into the contents and veracity of the recordings, when will SFL reports come?" The SG responded that the forensic reports could be submitted.

Bhushan maintained that the 'Truth Labs' report carried "more credibility than any government agencies' report."

In its order, the bench 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 sealed cover."

The bench also clarified that the preliminary objection raised by the SG remained open for further consideration.

Previously, a bench comprising then-Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra had asked the petitioner to provide material verifying the authenticity of the audio clips. Subsequently, the petitioner submitted the 'Truth Labs' analysis.