Fresh Hearing Set for Biren Singh Audio Leak Case; Kuki Women to Hold Mass Rally

A fresh hearing in the alleged audio leak case involving former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh is scheduled in the Supreme Court of India on April 30, 2026. The case relates to a controversial audio clip that purportedly links Singh to the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023.

The matter is being heard following a petition filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust, which has sought an independent investigation into the authenticity and implications of the leaked recording. Earlier, on November 3, 2025, the court referred to findings by the National Forensic Sciences University, which indicated that the audio clips had been “tampered with.”

However, during prior proceedings, the petitioners cited a separate analysis by Truth Labs, claiming there was a “93% probability” that the voice in the recording belonged to Singh, raising further questions about the clip’s credibility.

In a hearing earlier this year, a bench led by Justice Sanjay Kumar questioned the Union government over its delay in submitting the complete 48-minute audio recording to NFSU for forensic examination.

Representing the government, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati stated that the full recording had only been received after the previous court session in December.

Counsel for KOHUR, including advocates Prashant Bhushan and Cheryl d’Souza, argued that the full transcript had already been submitted earlier and noted that the case has been listed multiple times without substantial progress.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high on the ground. Two prominent groups — the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights and the Kuki Women Union — have announced a mass rally on April 29, a day before the court hearing.

The protest, themed “Mass Rally for Justice, Truth, and Accountability,” will be held across districts including Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, and Chandel.

In a joint statement, the organisations expressed concern over the lack of decisive action in the audio leak case and strongly condemned the recent violence in Mulam and Songphel villages on April 24, 2026, which resulted in casualties, injuries, and destruction of property. They have called for justice for the victims and accountability in the ongoing case.

The rally is expected to draw participation from various sections of society, amplifying demands for transparency and swift judicial action ahead of the crucial court hearing.