SC Seeks Forensic Report On Audio Tapes Alleging Manipur CM N. Biren’s Role In Ethnic Violence

Bhushan claimed that the statements were secretly recorded by a participant in a closed-door meeting before being leaked.

The Supreme Court has directed the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) to submit a sealed report on audio tapes allegedly implicating Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in the state’s ongoing ethnic violence. The directive was issued today by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar in response to a petition filed by the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust, which demands an independent investigation into the tapes. The matter will be heard again in the week beginning 24 March.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, informed the court that Truth Labs had examined the tapes and determined with over 90% certainty that the voice belonged to CM Biren Singh. Bhushan claimed that the statements were secretly recorded by a participant in a closed-door meeting before being leaked.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state, argued that the petitioner should first approach the High Court before seeking Supreme Court intervention. He further stated that an FIR had already been registered, and an investigation was ongoing. Authorities have also contacted Twitter accounts that uploaded the audio clips for verification, while the tapes are undergoing forensic examination.

Mehta also questioned the petitioner’s motives, alleging an “ideological bias” and a “separatist mindset.” He pointed out that even the Supreme Court-appointed judges’ panel had expressed concerns over certain civil society groups trying to “keep the pot boiling.”

During the hearing, Chief Justice Khanna asked when the forensic report would be available, to which the Solicitor General responded that it could be submitted as soon as it was ready.

This is not the first time the Supreme Court has examined the authenticity of these tapes. A previous bench led by then-Chief Justice DY Chandrachud had asked the petitioner to provide supporting evidence, following which the Truth Labs analysis was submitted.

The case continues to spark political and legal debates, with growing calls for a transparent investigation into the recordings and their implications for Manipur’s ongoing ethnic conflict.

Also Read: “Act Now Before It’s Too Late”: MP Sanajaoba Calls for Tough Action on Militants & Urgent Completion of Jiribam-Imphal Railway

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