(AGENCY) After examining the report submitted by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) on the authenticity of audio clips allegedly implicating former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in the State’s ethnic violence, the Supreme Court on Monday (May 5) called for a fresh Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report.
The Court asked the Solicitor General of India to get instructions from the Union Government on submitting a fresh FSL report.
The bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar was hearing a petition filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust seeking a Court-monitored investigation into certain leaked audio clips, allegedly in the voice of Biren Singh.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that the FSL report has been submitted in a sealed cover. He added, “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.”
CJI 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.”
He added, “Mr. Bhushan, we are aware, we have said what we wanted to say, we are very conscious of the fact, we have given a very short date because of that.”
The matter will now be heard in the week commencing 21 July.
In February, the Court had sought the report of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory on the tapes. The petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Prashant Bhushan, had told the bench that Truth Labs, a private forensic laboratory, had certified the tapes to be authentic.
In February, President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur, nearly two years after ethnic violence erupted in the State. A few days ahead of the Presidential proclamation, Singh resigned.
Previously, a bench comprising then Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice J.B. Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra asked the petitioner to produce materials indicating the authenticity of the audio clips. Following that, the petitioner submitted the analysis of Truth Labs.
