The Supreme Court of India is set to review a petition seeking a probe into Manipur CM N. Biren Singh’s alleged involvement in inciting ethnic violence, following the controversy surrounding leaked audio tapes.
New Delhi : Controversy has intensified following the emergence of leaked audio tapes that allegedly involve Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in telephonic conversations that may have incited ethnic violence in the state. The tapes have sparked widespread concern, leading the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust to file a petition with the Supreme Court, demanding a court-monitored investigation into Singh’s alleged role.On January 28, 2025, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna addressed the matter, signaling that the court might expedite the hearing of the plea, which was initially scheduled for February 7, 2025. The petition, filed by advocate Prashant Bhushan on behalf of the Kuki Organization for Human Rights, calls for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the contents of the leaked audio clips.In the hearing, Bhushan requested an urgent review of the case, noting that the petitioner had complied with the court’s previous directive issued in November 2024, which required the submission of relevant evidence, including the controversial audio tapes. However, CJI Khanna directed Bhushan to submit a formal written application requesting an expedited hearing. “We will consider your request. If the situation is indeed urgent, we will advance the hearing,” said CJI Khanna.The leaked tapes, which were reportedly shared by a whistleblower, are said to contain conversations where CM Singh allegedly encouraged violent actions, contributing to the ethnic tensions currently plaguing Manipur. These revelations have raised serious concerns about the state’s leadership and its role in exacerbating the violence.While the case was originally scheduled for February, the petitioners have pushed for an earlier hearing due to what they describe as ongoing harassment related to the controversy. The plea asserts that the situation in Manipur requires immediate attention, as the violence and unrest continue to escalate.In November 2024, both Attorney General R. Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had opposed the petition, arguing that the case should be heard in the Manipur High Court rather than directly in the Supreme Court. They contended that Bhushan should have first sought legal remedies at the state level before approaching the apex court.The petition to the Supreme Court has garnered significant attention, given the gravity of the allegations against CM Singh and the potential implications for law and order in Manipur. The court’s decision on whether to advance the hearing will be closely watched by both legal observers and the public.
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