SC calls for fresh forensic report on former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh tapes

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday called for a "fresh" Forensic Science Laboratory report on the authenticity of some audio recordings that point to the alleged role of former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh for the violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in the state.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna called for a fresh report after perusing the report submitted by the FSL in a sealed cover. "Please talk to the officers... please do see the content and talk to your officers. What is this report?" CJI Khanna verbally told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta after examining the report. Observing that the matter is "sensitive", the CJI asked Mehta to get instructions from the Centre on submitting a fresh FSL report.

Mehta informed the bench that he had not examined the forensic report submitted in a sealed cover, adding that the investigation is continuing. "Let the investigation go on, rather than escalating the situation any further. We have the sealed cover FSL report, the high court can also examine it. Peace is prevailing," Mehta submitted.


Appearing on behalf of the petitioner, Advocate Prashant Bhushan said that the investigation is being carried out by the state police and that the case involves the state's former CM. However, the CJI verbally told Bhushan that since President's Rule has been imposed in the state, his apprehension should be taken care of. "Now we have President's Rule over there, so that will take care of your argument," Khanna said.

Posting the matter for a resumed hearing in the week commencing July 21, the bench ordered that the Solicitor General will obtain instructions on filing a fresh FSL report.