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

The Supreme Court on Monday (February 3) sought the production of the report of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory on the examination of certain audio tapes which allegedly recorded the statements to Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh suggesting his involvement in the State's ethnic violence. The report has to be submitted in a sealed cover.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar passed the order in a writ petition filed by the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust seeking an independent investigation into the audio tapes. The matter will be posted next in the week commencing on March 24, 2025.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the audio tapes were examined by "Truth Labs", which certified that the voice belongs to Biren Singh by over 93%. He said that in the tapes, the Chief Minister could be heard saying that he allowed Meitei groups to loot the State armoury and that he ensured their protection from arrest. The CM's comments were "unfortunately" recorded by a person who was present in the closed-door meeting and they got eventually leaked, claimed Bhushan, asserting that it was a "serious issue" showing the Chief Minister instigating and abetting ethnic violence.

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, for the State, reiterated his preliminary objection that the petitioner should first approach the High Court. The SG also informed that FIR has been registered with respect to the matter and an investigation was underway. The investigating agency has also approached the Twitter accounts, which uploaded the voices, for verification. The tapes have been sent for forensic examination.

SG also said that the petitioner was carrying certain "ideological baggage", with a "separatist mindset". He added that even the judges' panel constituted by the Supreme Court has raised concerns about certain civil society organisations wanting to "keep the pot boiling."

"I have not gone into the contents and veracity of the recordings , when will SFL reports come?," CJI Khanna asked. SG said that forensic reports can be produced. 

Bhushan said that the report of the "Truth Labs" carries more credibility than any government agencies' report.

"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 observed in the order. The bench clarified that the preliminary objection raised by the SG is left open to be decided.

Click Here To Read/Download Order