GUWAHATI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday, January 28 said it might advance the hearing of the plea accusing the Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh of inciting the ongoing ethnic violence in the state. The plea was filed by Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust.
The Supreme Court’s observation came on an urging by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust today for an early hearing of the plea seeking a court-monitored investigation into certain leaked audio clips which allegedly implicate the Manipur chief minister for instigating ethnic violence in the State.
The hearing was earlier scheduled for February 7.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan appearing for the Organisation mentioned the matter before the bench of CJI Sanjiv Khanna, Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, according to a report by Live Law.
Bhushan informed that, as per the last order, the bench led by then CJI DY Chandrachud directed him to produce materials indicating the authenticity of the audio clips. Considering the same, he had sent the audio clips to 'Truth Labs' for verification. He said: "I had sent the tapes to the Truth Lab and we received a detailed report which I filed along with the petition"
To which, the CJI replied: "Move a written request, let it be placed before me"
Bhushan further added that "petitioner has been hounded by the Manipur..."
The CJI reiterated that the date for hearing will be fixed as per the procedure.
“We will examine. Please give a request [for an urgent hearing] in writing… In case of extreme urgency, we will advance [the court hearing].”
Previously, Bhushan submitted that the clips had "disturbing conversations" and the CM could be heard admitting that he instigated the violence and protected the attackers. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Attorney General R Venkataraman had strongly objected to the plea.
As per the last order , the Court observed :
"Before the Court can consider the submissions which have been made on the basis of an audio clip, we deem it appropriate to grant the petitioner to file before this Court the material indicating the authenticity of the clips." The bench also recorded SG's preliminary objection that the petitioner should first approach the High Court.
