Supreme Court Orders Forensic Report on Audio Clips Allegedly Featuring Manipur CM N Biren Singh

In a major legal development, the Supreme Court has issued an order directing the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) to undertake a detailed forensic analysis of audio recordings that are alleged to feature Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The audio clips in question are purported to contain the chief minister’s voice, allegedly inciting ethnic violence by urging Meitei groups to raid the state armory and promising them protection from arrest.

The order comes amidst heightened scrutiny over the audio recordings, which have emerged as a flashpoint in the ongoing controversy surrounding ethnic tensions in Manipur. These recordings have fueled intense debates, with critics arguing that they may have contributed to inciting unrest in a state already grappling with deep-seated communal divisions. The allegations gained further gravity in the context of the severe ethnic clashes that erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo tribal groups. That violence resulted in the tragic loss of over 221 lives and displaced approximately 60,000 people, marking one of the most devastating episodes in recent Manipur history.

The Supreme Court’s decision to order a forensic report is a response to a writ petition submitted by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust. The petitioner has called for an independent probe into the authenticity and context of the audio tapes, contending that a clear and unbiased forensic analysis is crucial to determining the veracity of the claims made against the chief minister. 

The forensic examination, to be carried out by experts at the CFSL, is expected to provide critical insights into whether the audio clips are genuine and, if so, whether they have been altered or misrepresented. The outcome of this analysis is anticipated to be a pivotal element in the ongoing legal proceedings and may have far-reaching implications for the political and social fabric of Manipur.

The case is scheduled for another hearing in the week beginning March 24. As the investigation proceeds, the Supreme Court’s reliance on scientific forensic evidence underscores its commitment to ensuring that justice is both informed and impartial. The court’s proactive stance in ordering an independent forensic review reflects a broader judicial effort to address the complexities of modern evidence, particularly in cases that intertwine issues of national security, communal harmony, and political accountability.