The Supreme Court expressed significant concern regarding the Central Forensic Science Laboratory’s (CFSL) handling of audio recordings that allegedly implicate former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in last year’s ethnic violence. This criticism was voiced during a hearing on August 19, where a bench consisting of Justices Sanjay Kumar and Satish Chandra Sharma noted that the laboratory appeared to have misguidedly focused on verifying the authenticity of the recordings rather than adhering to the court’s directives.
The bench highlighted the specific nature of their inquiry, stating, “We had not asked about the authenticity of the video. What we want to know is whether the voice can be identified as the same person speaking in both clips.” The judges further criticized the laboratory’s approach, conveying their frustration to Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati with remarks like, “The entire exercise seems to be misdirected. Only wishy-washy answers are being given.”
Additionally, the bench dismissed an application from Singh’s daughter to join the case, emphasizing, “This is not a family support programme.” Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR), called for an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate, arguing that the CFSL operates under the same government as Singh. In response to Bhushan’s plea, the bench remarked, “You cannot suspect the bonafides of every organization on the ground of administrative control. We will have to bring an organization from abroad.”
The case is scheduled for further hearings on August 25, as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was unavailable due to other legal commitments. Previously, on May 5, a bench led by former Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna evaluated a forensic report concerning the leaked audio and directed the Manipur government to submit a new report. The court had also requested a sealed-cover submission from the CFSL related to the allegations.
The audio recordings, allegedly leaked on November 8 last year, reportedly feature Singh instructing Meitei groups to raid state armories and incite violence against the Kuki Zo community. Bhushan described the content as “very serious” and “disturbing,” alleging state involvement in orchestrating the violence. KOHUR’s petition claims that Singh played a key role in instigating and managing the widespread murder and destruction in Kuki-dominated areas of Manipur.
The ethnic clashes began in May 2023, triggered by a “Tribal Solidarity March” opposing a Manipur High Court decision that granted Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community. The violence has resulted in over 260 fatalities and left thousands displaced as unrest spread throughout the state.
Original Source: https://www.guwahatiplus.com/northeast/sc-slams-cfsl-for-mishandling-audio-recordings-allegedly-implicating-ex-manipur-cm-n-biren-singh
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Publish Date: 2025-08-19 18:00:00
