Amidst the ongoing violence in Manipur, the Supreme Court will soon hear a plea seeking a court-monitored investigation into leaked audio clips allegedly implicating Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The petition alleges the CM incited violence against the Kuki community.
BY PC Bureau
The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust has urged the Supreme Court to expedite the hearing of a plea seeking a court-monitored investigation into leaked audio clips allegedly implicating Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in instigating ethnic violence in the state.
The plea, filed in the Supreme Court, contends that the audio clips contain “disturbing conversations” where the Chief Minister can be heard admitting to instigating the violence and protecting the attackers.
Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence since May 2023, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The conflict has resulted in numerous deaths, widespread displacement, and widespread destruction of property.
In the case where #SupremeCourt had ordered Kuki organisation, represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, to produce audio tapes to substantiate its claim that Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh was instrumental in inciting and organising violence in the northeastern State… pic.twitter.com/PzaZN1yoLM
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) January 28, 2025
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the Kuki Organisation, informed the court that the audio clips had been sent to ‘Truth Labs’ for verification and that a detailed report had been submitted along with the petition. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna directed Bhushan to file a written request for an early hearing, stating that the date for hearing would be fixed as per the court’s procedure.
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The Solicitor General and Attorney General had previously objected to the plea, arguing that the petitioner should first approach the High Court. However, the Supreme Court, in a previous order, directed the petitioner to submit material indicating the authenticity of the audio clips before considering the submissions.
The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust is seeking a thorough investigation into the matter, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for the victims of the ongoing violence.
Content of the Petition:
The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust has  alleged that leaked audio clips contain evidence that Chief Minister N. Biren Singh instigated and encouraged the violence against the Kuki-Zo community. The petition claims the audio clips contain “disturbing conversations” where the Chief Minister can be heard admitting to instigating the violence and even protecting the attackers.
The petition argues that these audio clips, if proven authentic, constitute serious criminal offenses and demand an immediate and independent investigation into the matter. It further seeks the court’s intervention to ensure a fair and impartial investigation, given the serious nature of the allegations and the potential for political interference.
Significance of the Case:
This case holds significant importance in determining accountability for the ongoing violence in Manipur. If the authenticity of the audio clips is established and the allegations are substantiated, it could have serious repercussions for the Chief Minister and the state government.
The Supreme Court’s decision on this matter will have a crucial impact on the course of justice and the search for accountability in the Manipur crisis. It will also send a strong message regarding the imp
