The Supreme Court on Monday, February 3, directed the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) to submit a forensic report on audio tapes that allegedly feature Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh discussing his involvement in the state’s ethnic violence. The report is to be submitted in a sealed cover.

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, passed the order in response to a petition filed by the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust, which has called for an independent investigation into the tapes. The case will be heard again during the week beginning March 24, 2025.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioners, stated that “Truth Labs” had analyzed the tapes and confirmed with 93% certainty that the voice on the recordings was that of Chief Minister Singh. Bhushan claimed the tapes recorded Singh discussing his role in allowing Meitei groups to loot the state’s armoury and providing them protection from arrest—actions he argued amounted to instigating violence.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state government, objected to the petition, urging that the matter be first addressed in the High Court. He also informed the Court that an FIR had been registered, and an investigation was underway, including efforts to verify the authenticity of the recordings. Mehta further suggested the petitioners had an “ideological baggage” and criticized certain civil society organizations for attempting to “keep the pot boiling.”

The Court clarified that the preliminary objections raised by Mehta would be addressed in due course, while the forensic report from CFSL is awaited. The matter will be revisited in March 2025 after the forensic examination of the audio tapes.