Tue Jan 28 06:04:25 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court May Expedite Hearing on Manipur CM’s Alleged Role in Violence

**New Delhi, January 28, 2025** – The Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, indicated on Tuesday that the Supreme Court may advance the hearing of a plea alleging Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s involvement in inciting violence in the state. The plea, filed by a Kuki organization represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, claims the CM orchestrated violence leading to significant loss of life.

While the court initially asked for a formal written application, the Chief Justice stated that an expedited hearing is possible if “extreme urgency” is demonstrated. Mr. Bhushan argued that the petitioner had already submitted audio tapes and other evidence as previously directed by the court, supporting allegations of the CM’s complicity. The case is currently scheduled for February 7th.

The petition alleges the audio tapes, obtained from a whistleblower, reveal conversations implicating the CM and others in the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in 2023. It requests a court-monitored investigation by a Special Investigation Team.

In November 2024, the Attorney General and Solicitor General urged the court not to hear the case, questioning why it was brought directly to the Supreme Court instead of the Manipur High Court. They also highlighted the efforts made to restore peace in the state. However, the then Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud rejected these arguments, emphasizing the court’s responsibility to uphold constitutional rights. The evidence was subsequently submitted in a sealed cover to protect the whistleblower’s identity. The petition claims the CM’s actions directly led to widespread violence against the Kuki community.

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