CFSL probe into ex-Manipur CM's alleged audio clip misdirected: SC

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, Updated At : 03:08 AM Aug 20, 2025 IST

**EDS: VIDEO GRAB VIA @NBirenSingh ON TUESDAY, NOV. 19, 2024** Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh addresses citizens in a video message regarding the recent violence in the state. (PTI Photo)(PTI11_19_2024_000489B)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed displeasure over the Central Forensic Science Laboratory's exercise to test the audio recordings pointing to the alleged role of former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the ethnic violence in the state, calling it "misdirected". A Bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and Satish Chandra Sharma said it hadn't asked about authenticity of audio clips but directed testing of the voice samples."We had not asked about authenticity of the video. What we are asking for is after testing that voice with the admitted voice of the individual whether it can be identified that same persons are speaking in both?" it said.

The bench went on to tell Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, "We don't need authenticity of the video to be established. The entire exercise seems to be misdirected. Only wishy-washy answers are being given. The CFSL is under the impression that we want to know if the video is authentic or not."

The top court also rejected an application filed by Singh's daughter seeking to be added as a party to the case and said it wasn't a "family support programme".

CFSL probe into ex-Manipur CM's alleged audio clip misdirected: SC

Tribune News Service

Unlock Exclusive Insights with The Tribune Premium