Ukhrul, May 6: The Supreme Court of India on Monday directed a fresh forensic examination of controversial audio tapes allegedly implicating former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in the ethnic violence that erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 3, 2023.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, expressed doubts over the credibility of an earlier report submitted by a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) under the central government. As a result, the court ordered the Central Forensic Science Laboratory to conduct a new analysis of the audio material in question.
The case (Case No. WP(C) No. 702/2024) was brought before the apex court by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust, represented by senior advocate Prashant Bhushan. The petition seeks a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the leaked recordings, which allegedly feature former chief minister admitting to permitting Meitei groups to loot arms and ammunition, actions that are said to have escalated the conflict in the northeastern state.
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During the hearing, the bench made it clear that no one found guilty of wrongdoing would be spared. “We will not protect anyone involved in inciting or perpetuating violence,” the court asserted, while directing that investigations must continue in the meantime.
Acknowledging the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur in February 2025, the court noted that the current administrative framework could facilitate an impartial and effective investigation.
The next hearing has been scheduled for the week of July 21, 2025.
In the latest hearing regarding the authenticity of leaked audio tapes, allegedly of N Biren Singh, the Centre had informed the Supreme Court on April 17 that the forensic report on the tapes was ready and that the same will be submitted in a sealed cover.