Supreme Court Seeks Forensic Report On Audio Tapes Alleging Manipur CM Biren Singh's Role In Ethnic Violence

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday sought the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) report on the examination of certain leaked audiotapes that allegedly implicate Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh for instigating ethnic violence in the state.

A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar said the CFSL report should be submitted in six weeks in a sealed cover.

The bench then posted the hearing in the week commencing on March 24.

"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," the bench stated in its order.

The order of the top court came on a petition filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust seeking an independent investigation into the audiotapes.

During the hearing, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Manipur government, contended that the petitioner was carrying certain "ideological baggage" with a "separatist mindset.".

Mehta said that even the judges' panel constituted by the Supreme Court has raised concerns about certain civil society organisations wanting to "keep the pot boiling."

CJI said he has not gone into the contents and veracity of the audiotapes and sought a report by CFSL.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, told the bench that the audiotapes were examined by 'Truth Labs,' a private forensic science laboratory, which certified that the voice belongs to the chief minister by over 93 percent.

The report of the 'Truth Labs' carries more credibility than any government agency's report, he claimed.

The plea filed by a Kuki group organisation sought a court-monitored investigation into the alleged audio clips.

The Kuki group claimed that it had audiotapes shared by a whistleblower of telephone conversations held by the chief minister "establishing complicity of the highest functionary and others in ethnic violence in the state of Manipur."

The top court is also seized of the cases relating to the violence in Manipur between Meitei and Kuki communities. (ANI)

Also Read: SC Seeks Forensic Report on Audiotapes Alleging Manipur CM’s Role in Ethnic Violence

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