New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday (February 3) sought a sealed-covered Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) report on the authenticity of leaked audio tapes alleging the role of Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh in the ethnic violence in the state.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar sought the forensic report while hearing a plea filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR).
The bench sought the report within six weeks and posted the matter for further 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 sealed cover,” the bench said.
What did the petitioner submit?
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, who represented KOHUR, sought a court-monitored SIT probe into the alleged role of the Manipur chief minister in the ethnic violence. Bhushan, while arguing into the matter, said that the leaks of the contents of the audio tapes was a very serious matter the chief minister was purportedly saying in the clips that Meitei groups were allowed to loot arms and ammunition of the Manipur government.
“A truth lab confirmed that 93 per cent it is the voice of the chief minister and truth labs are far more reliable that the FSL reports,” Bhushan submitted.
What did Manipur submit?
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Manipur government, said the petitioner had “ideological inclinations” and also questioned the veracity of the report of the truth lab. He further submitted that there was a report by a committee of three high court judges stating there were efforts to keep the “pot boiling”.
What did the apex court say?
“The state is gradually limping back to normalcy and we will keep it (the matter) on hold at the moment,” CJI Khanna said and added that it would later see whether the apex court or the high court (Manipur) should hear the case.
A bench headed by former CJI DY Chandrachud had on November 8 last year, directed the Kuki organisation to produce materials indicating the authenticity of the audio clips.
Mehta has opposed the plea filed by the KOHUR and has said that the petitioner should move the High Court.
More than 200 people lost their lives and thousands were rendered homeless after Meitei and Kuki communities clashed with each other in May last year.
