Leaked audio tapes allegedly revealing telephonic exchanges involving Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh have generated controversy. Alleged to show Singh’s involvement in encouraging ethnic violence in the state, the tapes have resulted in a petition before the Supreme Court requesting a court-monitored inquiry.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna spoke on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, suggesting that the Supreme Court might take into account expediting the hearing of the case submitted by the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust. Advocate Prashant Bhushan represents the plea, which requests a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into the leaked videos.
Emphasizing the petitioner’s adherence to the court’s earlier ruling from November 11, 2024, to provide evidence—including the audio tapes— Advocate Bhushan asked for an expedited hearing. But CJI Khanna advised Bhushan to apply for the request formally by letter. “We shall look at. Kindly submit a written request. Should great urgency arise, we will hasten the hearing, said the CJI.
According to the plea, smuggled audio tapes from a whistleblower show talks in which CM Singh encouraged violence, which resulted in the present conflicts in Manipur. Originally set for hearing on February 7, 2025, the petitioner has asked for a sooner date citing continuous harassment.
Attorneys General R. Venkataramani and Solicator General Tushar Mehta urged the court not to consider the matter in November 2024, contending that Bhushan ought to have addressed the Manipur High Court rather than straight forwarding the Supreme Court.
