The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union government to submit a fresh Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report after expressing dissatisfaction with the existing CFSL analysis of leaked audio clips allegedly implicating former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar reviewed the sealed cover report submitted by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) regarding the authenticity of the leaked audio recordings. These recordings allegedly establish complicity between Biren Singh and the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in May 2023, leading to 258 deaths and over 59,000 displacements.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, stated that the investigation into the allegations was still ongoing. However, after reviewing the report, the Supreme Court directed Mehta to obtain fresh instructions and file a new forensic report.
The petition was filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust, which has sought a court-monitored investigation into the leaked audio clips. The petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Prashant Bhushan, argued that the recordings allegedly feature Biren Singh taking credit for instigating the violence and defying Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s orders against the use of explosives.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for the week commencing July 21, 2025, and has emphasized that the investigation will continue despite the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur.
