Imphal: A fresh controversy has erupted following the circulation of leaked audio tapes allegedly involving telephonic conversations with Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
The tapes, which are said to reveal Singh’s involvement in inciting ethnic violence in the state, have led to the filing of a petition before the Supreme Court, demanding a court-monitored investigation.
On January 28, 2025, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna addressed the matter, signaling that the Supreme Court might consider advancing the hearing of the plea filed by the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust.
The petition, represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, calls for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the contents of the leaked tapes.
Bhushan requested an urgent hearing, pointing out that the petitioner had complied with the court’s earlier directive from November 11, 2024, to submit evidence, including the controversial audio clips.
However, CJI Khanna advised Bhushan to submit a formal written application for the request. “We will examine. Please give a request in writing. In case of extreme urgency, we will advance the hearing,” the CJI stated.
The petition alleges that the leaked tapes, which were reportedly provided by a whistleblower, feature conversations in which CM Singh is purportedly heard instigating violence, fueling the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
The case was originally scheduled for hearing on February 7, 2025, but the petitioners have requested an earlier hearing date, citing continued harassment.
In a previous hearing in November 2024, Attorney General R. Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had urged the court not to entertain the case, suggesting that Bhushan should have approached the Manipur High Court before bringing the matter to the Supreme Court.
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