The Supreme Court on Monday directed the submission of a forensic report examining certain audio tapes that allegedly recorded Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh’s statements suggesting his involvement in the state’s ethnic violence. The Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) report is to be submitted in a sealed cover.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar issued the order while hearing a writ petition filed by the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust, which is seeking an independent investigation into the tapes. The court scheduled the next hearing for the week commencing March 24, 2025.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, informed the court that the tapes were analyzed by Truth Labs, which concluded with over 93% certainty that the voice in the recordings belonged to Chief Minister Biren Singh. He alleged that the tapes reveal Singh admitting to allowing Meitei groups to loot the state armoury and protecting them from arrest. Bhushan claimed that the CM’s statements were secretly recorded during a closed-door meeting and later leaked. “This is a serious issue showing the Chief Minister instigating and abetting ethnic violence,” he argued.
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the State, opposed the petition, arguing that the petitioner should first approach the High Court. He informed the bench that an FIR had already been registered, and an investigation was underway. Authorities have also contacted the social media accounts that uploaded the tapes for verification. The audio clips have been sent for forensic examination.
Mehta further alleged that the petitioner carried an “ideological baggage” with a “separatist mindset.” He added that even a judges’ panel constituted by the Supreme Court had raised concerns about certain civil society groups attempting to “keep the pot boiling.”
“I have not gone into the contents and veracity of the recordings. When will the CFSL reports come?” CJI Khanna asked. The Solicitor General responded that the forensic report would be produced.
Bhushan, however, contended that Truth Labs’ report carried “more credibility” than any government agency’s findings.
The bench, in its order, stated, “The case will be relisted in the week commencing on March 24, 2025. It is pointed out that the audio clips have been sent for examination by CFSL. The report will be produced in a sealed cover.” The bench also clarified that the preliminary objections raised by the Solicitor General would be considered at a later stage.
Earlier, a bench led by then-Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, had asked the petitioner to submit evidence verifying the authenticity of the recordings. The petitioner subsequently submitted the Truth Labs analysis. (With inputs from Live Law)