India

Supreme Court seeks evidence against Manipur CM N Biren Singh from Kuki body

November 8, 2024

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday sought for evidence authenticating certain audio recordings which points to the alleged role of Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh in the communal violence in the state between Meitei and Kuki communities.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud 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 SC ordered.

Appearing on behalf of the petitioner, Advocate Prashant Bhushan argued that the whistleblower had recorded conversation of the chief minister where he admits that “he fuelled insurgency and protected those who looted the arms.”

Bhushan sought an independent enquiry into this. The bench sought to know the authenticity of the tapes in question.

Appearing on behalf of the central government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta objected to the plea and contended that intention of the petitioner is to “keep the fire burning”. Mehta added that the petitioners should approach the High Court. The bench however agreed to examine the tapes and their authenticity. Mehta objected to the same arguing “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”.