Centre to SC: Report on Biren Singh audio clips ready

New Delhi

On Thursday, the Centre informed the Supreme Court that a forensic report regarding the authenticity of audio clips, which allege the involvement of former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the state's ethnic violence, is ready and will be submitted in a sealed cover. The report is from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta will file it shortly.

A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna took note of the submission and decided to defer the hearing on the plea filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) to the week beginning May 5. The petition sought a court-monitored investigation into Singh’s alleged role in the violence.

Singh resigned from his position as chief minister on February 9 amidst internal issues within the state BJP and increasing demands for leadership change. The Supreme Court had earlier ordered a sealed-cover report on the authenticity of the audio clips, which claim Singh's involvement in the violence that erupted in May 2023.

The KOHUR plea, represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, included transcripts of the audio clips, which allegedly show Singh discussing the looting of government arms by Meitei groups. Bhushan also urged a special investigation team (SIT) probe. The solicitor general, however, questioned the authenticity of the evidence and argued that the high court might be the right forum for the case.

The violence, which has killed over 260 people and displaced thousands, started following protests against the Manipur High Court's ruling on granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community.