New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – The Supreme Court on Monday sought a sealed-cover forensic report on the authenticity of leaked audio clips that allegedly implicate Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh in last year’s ethnic violence. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, directed the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) to submit its findings within six weeks and scheduled the hearing for March 24.
The petition was filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR), represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, who urged the court to initiate a special investigation team (SIT) probe into the chief minister’s alleged role in the violence.
Chief Justice Khanna noted that while the state was "gradually limping back to normalcy," the matter would be held in abeyance for now. The bench will later decide whether the Supreme Court or the Manipur High Court should hear the case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state, concurred with this view.
Mehta, however, questioned the authenticity of the recordings, arguing that the petitioner had “ideological inclinations.” He cited a report by a committee of three high court judges suggesting that certain groups were attempting to keep the "pot boiling."
Bhushan countered by claiming that a private truth lab confirmed with 93% accuracy that the voice in the recording belonged to the chief minister. He asserted that such truth labs are generally more reliable than forensic science laboratory (FSL) reports. Mehta, however, cast doubt on the reliability of the truth lab’s findings.
Mehta argued that the plea should be filed in the Manipur High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution, rather than being entertained by the Supreme Court. Attorney General R Venkataramani also opposed the petition, stressing that the state government should be allowed to focus on restoring peace.
The petition urged the Supreme Court to oversee an independent SIT investigation, arguing that agencies such as the CBI or ED could not be entrusted with the probe. It emphasized the need for an impartial team comprising officers of "impeccable integrity."
The Supreme Court’s decision on whether to transfer the case to the Manipur High Court or proceed with its own oversight remains pending, with the forensic report expected to play a crucial role in determining the next steps.
The petition was filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR), represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, who urged the court to initiate a special investigation team (SIT) probe into the chief minister’s alleged role in the violence.
Judicial Considerations and Responses
Justice Sanjay Kumar, previously the chief justice of the Manipur High Court, acknowledged his past association with the chief minister. "The chief minister of Manipur had hosted a dinner for me when I was elevated to this court, so if you have an issue with me hearing the matter then you can tell me,” he remarked. Bhushan responded that he had no objections.Chief Justice Khanna noted that while the state was "gradually limping back to normalcy," the matter would be held in abeyance for now. The bench will later decide whether the Supreme Court or the Manipur High Court should hear the case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state, concurred with this view.
Serious Allegations and Counterarguments
Bhushan termed the contents of the leaked audio recordings as a "very serious matter," alleging that the chief minister, in the clips, purportedly stated that Meitei groups were allowed to loot arms and ammunition from the state government. “I have annexed transcripts of tape recordings,” he added.Mehta, however, questioned the authenticity of the recordings, arguing that the petitioner had “ideological inclinations.” He cited a report by a committee of three high court judges suggesting that certain groups were attempting to keep the "pot boiling."
Bhushan countered by claiming that a private truth lab confirmed with 93% accuracy that the voice in the recording belonged to the chief minister. He asserted that such truth labs are generally more reliable than forensic science laboratory (FSL) reports. Mehta, however, cast doubt on the reliability of the truth lab’s findings.
Past Court Directives and Government’s Stand
On November 8, 2023, a bench led by former Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud had instructed KOHUR to produce evidence proving the authenticity of the leaked clips before making any legal arguments. In response, Bhushan submitted a CD containing the recordings.Mehta argued that the plea should be filed in the Manipur High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution, rather than being entertained by the Supreme Court. Attorney General R Venkataramani also opposed the petition, stressing that the state government should be allowed to focus on restoring peace.
Background of the Conflict
The ethnic violence between Manipur’s Meitei and Kuki communities erupted in May 2023, resulting in over 200 deaths and leaving thousands homeless. The Kuki organisation’s plea accused the chief minister of orchestrating large-scale violence against Kuki-dominated areas.The petition urged the Supreme Court to oversee an independent SIT investigation, arguing that agencies such as the CBI or ED could not be entrusted with the probe. It emphasized the need for an impartial team comprising officers of "impeccable integrity."
CM’s Response
In a recent PTI interview, Chief Minister Biren Singh dismissed the allegations, stating, "Some people are after me... there is a conspiracy. The matter is sub-judice. I won't talk much about it. An FIR has been filed."The Supreme Court’s decision on whether to transfer the case to the Manipur High Court or proceed with its own oversight remains pending, with the forensic report expected to play a crucial role in determining the next steps.
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