The Supreme Court has requested a forensic report from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) regarding leaked audio tapes allegedly featuring Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The petition, filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust, claims that Singh’s remarks in the tapes incited violence in the state. The controversy gained traction after Truth Labs, a private forensic institution, reported a 93% voice match with Singh. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that Truth Labs’ findings could not be relied upon and emphasized the need for an official CFSL analysis. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, leading the two-judge bench alongside Justice PV Sanjay Kumar, ordered the CFSL report to be submitted in a sealed cover within a month. The matter will be heard again in the week beginning March 24.
During the hearing, Justice PV Sanjay Kumar questioned whether he should recuse himself, as he had attended a dinner hosted by the Manipur CM upon his elevation to the Supreme Court. However, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, dismissed any concerns, allowing the hearing to proceed. Bhushan maintained that the leaked audio was recorded during a private meeting with the Chief Minister and was later uploaded online. Solicitor General Mehta countered this by stating that the government had initiated an investigation into the person who posted the tapes on social media. He further alleged that the petitioner had a political motive and sought to keep the issue alive unnecessarily. Chief Justice Khanna, while acknowledging that Manipur was gradually returning to normalcy, questioned whether the Supreme Court or the High Court should handle the case.
The Manipur crisis has been a sensitive issue, with ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The leaked audio has reignited debates about political accountability and justice for those affected by the violence. The Supreme Court’s decision to seek an official forensic report highlights the need for an impartial examination of the allegations against the Chief Minister. The court has also stressed the importance of ensuring that the case does not become a political flashpoint. Meanwhile, tensions remain high as various stakeholders await the CFSL findings, which could play a crucial role in determining the next legal course of action.
