The Supreme Court on Friday heard a petition filed by a Kuki oragnisation that sought a court to monitor investigation into certain leaked audio clips which claimed Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had himself flared the violence in the northeastern state which led to the loss of many lives.
A bench comprising chief justice of India Y Chandrachud, justice JB Pardiwal and justice Manoj Misra asked Kuki organisation (petitioner) to produce audio tape materials indicating the authenticity of the clips.
During the hearing of the petition, counsel of petitioner submitted that the audio clips had disturbing conversations and the CM could be heard admitting that he investigated the violence and protected the attackers.
While submitting, counsel also stated that the audio clips were submitted to the justice Lamba Commission, which is enquiring into Manipur violence and that no action has taken place for four months.
Solicitor general of India, Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state, vehemently opposed the petition stating that the petitioner should approach the High Court, if the SC entertained the matter, the majesty of HC would be undermined.
The SC bench then asked counsel to show materials regarding the authenticity of the materials.
“The authenticity can be ascertained by a forensic lab”, counsel replied.
The CJI suggested to file an affidavit before them indicating the sources from which it came. But, the counsel said that the source cannot be revealed as there is a serious threat to life.
“Give it to us in sealed cover”, said the CJI, adding that before the court considered the submissions which have made on the basis of an audio clips, the petitioner should file the material indicating the authenticity of the clips.
At one point, Mehta indicated that the court may be “sitting in an ivory tower”.
CJI, however, took objection to the ivory tower remark, stating “We are not living in an ivory tower. It is because we are not sitting in an ivory tower that we have not dismissed the petition. We are also aware of what is happening in Manipur. We do not appreciate any attempt to brush things under the carpet”.
It should be mentioned that the organisation alleged that it has audio tapes shared by a whistle-blower of telephone conversations held by the CM allowing in the infiltration and looting of arms and ammunition which fed the violence.
