Kuki Organization For Human Rights Trust Has Separatist Inclinations: Manipur Opposes PIL Before Apex Court On CM's Alleged Leaked Audio
The Supreme Court directed the CFSL to submit its forensic report on audio tapes allegedly implicating Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the State’s ethnic violence. The report is to be submitted in a sealed cover.

While opposing a PIL seeking forensic report from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) regarding leaked audio tapes that allegedly implicate Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the ongoing ethnic violence in the state, the State Government submitted before the Supreme Court that the Petitioner, Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust (KUMHUR) carried an "ideological baggage/inclinations" with a "separatist mindset."
The Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar noted that Manipur is "gradually limping back to normalcy" but directed that the CFSL report be presented within a month.
The Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust, was represented by Advocate Prashant Bhushan. Bhushan contended that the leaked recordings, which purportedly feature the Chief Minister’s voice, demonstrate his involvement in allowing the looting of arms and shielding those responsible.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the State, informed the Court that an FIR had been filed in August 2024 and the tapes were sent for forensic examination in November. He also informed the court that an FIR had been registered regarding the matter and an investigation was ongoing. He told the Court that the government had approached Twitter (X) account holders who had uploaded the recordings and the tapes had been sent for forensic examination.
Mehta further argued that the petitioner carried an "ideological baggage/inclination" with a "separatist mindset." He noted that even a judicial panel appointed by the Supreme Court had expressed concerns about civil society organizations attempting to "keep the pot boiling."
The CJI, while emphasizing judicial caution, insisted on an official forensic verification before proceeding further.
“I have not gone into the contents and veracity of the recordings. When will the CFSL report be available?” CJI Khanna inquired.
SG Mehta assured the Court that the forensic report would be produced.
Bhushan countered that the "Truth Labs" analysis carried greater credibility than any government forensic report.
The Bench ordered, "Relist in the week commencing on March 24, 2025. It is pointed out that the audio clips have been sent for examination by CFSL. The report will be produced in a sealed cover." The Court also clarified that the preliminary objection raised by the Solicitor General remains open for consideration.
The Court without disposing of the matter, directed the state to expedite the forensic examination and produce the report in a sealed cover. The Court scheduled the next hearing for the week commencing March 24, 2025.
Previously, a Bench led by then Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra, had directed the petitioner to provide material substantiating the authenticity of the audio clips. The petitioner subsequently submitted the "Truth Labs" report for consideration.
Cause Title: Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust v. Union of India [W.P.(C) No. 702/2024; Diary No. 47024 / 2024]