Supreme Court orders full alleged audio clip on ex-Manipur CM Biren Singh sent for forensic review

The Hindu
The Hindu
3h ago
The Supreme Court directed the Union government to send the entire audio clip submitted by a Kuki rights organisation to the National Forensic Sciences University for expedited forensic examination and a sealed-cover report.
Supreme Court orders full alleged audio clip on ex-Manipur CM Biren Singh sent for forensic review
A What happened
The Supreme Court asked the Union government to forward to the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gujarat the entire audio clip submitted by a Kuki rights organisation. The organisation alleged the leaked voice recording points to a role played by former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in the 2023 ethnic violence. The Bench questioned why the full clip was not sent for forensics and directed expedited action and submission of a report in a sealed cover. The government said it received the 48-minute recording only after the last Supreme Court hearing in December.

Key insights

  • 1

    Court sought complete material for forensic assessment: The Bench questioned why only select clippings were sent for forensics and directed that the entire recording be forwarded to the NFSU for expedited examination and a sealed-cover report.

  • 2

    Government cited timing of receipt of the recording: Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said the government received the 48-minute recording only after the last Supreme Court hearing in December and that the clip had not been forthcoming despite enquiries.

  • 3

    Petitioners raised whistleblower safety concerns: Prashant Bhushan said the remaining portion of the audio identified the whistleblower and that parting with it would endanger his life.

Takeaways

The Supreme Court ordered the full alleged audio clip to be sent to the NFSU for expedited forensic analysis and a sealed-cover report.

Topics

World & Politics Human Rights Law & Public Safety Crime & Justice Courts

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