The Supreme Court of India has asked the Union Government to submit a fresh Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report on leaked audio clips allegedly involving former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. These clips are linked to the ethnic violence that erupted in the State.
This decision came on May 5, during the hearing of a petition filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust, which seeks a Court-monitored probe into the audio tapes. These clips are claimed to feature Biren Singh's voice and are believed to have significant implications.
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The case was heard by a bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar.
The Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta presented the forensic report from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in a sealed cover. He stated:
"Let the investigation go on, rather than escalating the situation any further. We have the sealed cover FSL report. Even the High Court can examine it. Peace is prevailing."
After reviewing the contents of the sealed report, Chief Justice Khanna expressed concern and requested clarity:
"Mr Mehta, you have to talk to the offices... what is this FSL report?"
When the SG responded that he had not examined the report in detail, the CJI instructed:
"Read the content and then talk to the offices. Please examine and bring a fresh report."
The bench formally recorded:
“SG lists before us in sealed cover a copy of the FSL report, sealed cover was opened, and we have seen the report. SG will obtain instructions on filing a fresh FSL report after re-examination. Relist on the week commencing 21st July 2025. In the meantime, the investigation will continue.”
However, Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, raised a concern that the investigation is being conducted by the State Police, possibly compromising neutrality.
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When Bhushan requested a stay on the investigation, the Chief Justice firmly stated:
"Mr Bhushan, we are not staying that, we have seen the report."
Bhushan emphasized:
"This is supposed to be the investigation against the former CM."
To this, the CJI responded:
"Now we have President's Rule over there, so that will take care of your argument."
He further added:
"We are aware, we have said what we wanted to say. We are very conscious of the fact and have given a very short date because of that."
The Court is set to hear the matter again in the week of July 21, 2025.
Earlier in February, the Supreme Court had asked for a CFSL report on these audio recordings. Advocate Bhushan had submitted that Truth Labs, a private forensic firm, had already certified the clips as authentic.
Case Title : KUKI ORGANIZATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS TRUST Vs UNION OF INDIA | W.P.(C) No. 702/2024
