Manipur Violence: Supreme Court to examine whistleblower tapes against CM N Biren Singh

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to examine certain audio recordings which allegedly points to the role of Manipur Chief Minister (CM) N Biren Singh in the communal violence in the State between Meitei and Kuki communities.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra also sought details of the source of the tape and material to prove its authenticity from the petitioner - Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust.

"We grant the petitioner an opportunity to file material indicating the authenticity of the clip. The counsel says the clip shall also be submitted," the Court noted.

This was after advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, said that the whistleblower had recorded conversation of the Chief Minister where he admits that "he fuelled insurgency and protected those who looted the arms."

"He allowed arms and ammunitions to be looted. How can the state investigate this?," Bhushan asked.

What is the authenticity of these tapes?

"It was submitted to the Lamba commission. This court is dealing with the Manipur matter. This is not an ordinary case," he said.

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central government, vehemently objected to the plea and said that the intention of the petitioner is to "keep the fire burning".

"Probe is going on. CM met all the Kuki MLAs to ensure peace and whistleblower do not want peace. Intention is to keep the fire burning," he contended.

He said that the petitioners should approach the High Court

"My suggestion is not to undermine the majesty of the High court. Let them go to the High Court," the SG submitted.

The Court nevertheless agreed to examine the tapes and the authenticity of it.

As the hearing drew to a close, SG Mehta objected to the Court's decision.

"We have a porous border and we do not know what is there on the ground. It is because my lords are in ivory towers. I mean not in any pejorative sense," SG Mehta said.

"We have a duty as a Constitutional court and we cannot brush things under the carpet. We also know what happened in Manipur. It is because we are not in ivory towers. That is why we are hearing it and did not dismiss this right away. Not the least Solicitor, not the least," CJI Chandrachud replied.

"Not any pejorative sense," the SG clarified.

"Yes ok, thank you," the CJI said.