Supreme Court Questions Forensic Examination of Manipur Violence Audio

On December 15, 2025, the Supreme Court of India raised significant concerns regarding the handling of a leaked audio clip allegedly implicating former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023. The court expressed its discontent that only select portions of the audio, approximately 48 minutes long, were submitted for forensic examination to Gujarat’s National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), rather than the complete recording of about 56 minutes. The Supreme Court's inquiry was prompted by a petition from the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR), which is advocating for an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the audio's contents.

The Hindu‘Why Only Select Clips? ’ Supreme Court Flags Gaps in Forensic Test of Manipur Violence Audio

The violence in Manipur resulted in over 260 fatalities and widespread displacement, primarily between the Meitei community and the Kuki community. The unrest was ignited by a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill districts, protesting a Manipur High Court order that favored the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Allegations have surfaced that Singh played a central role in orchestrating violence against the Kuki-dominated areas.

‘Why Only Select Clips? ’ Supreme Court Flags Gaps in Forensic Test of Manipur Violence Audio

During the hearing, the Supreme Court justices, Sanjay Kumar and Alok Aradhe, articulated their unease regarding the incomplete forensic submission. They questioned why the entire audio was not sent for examination, emphasizing that the NFSU's previous conclusion—that the audio was “tampered with”—was based on an incomplete review. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioners, highlighted the potential danger to the identity of the individual who recorded the conversation, which could be revealed in the unsubmitted portion of the audio.

‘Why Only Select Clips? ’ Supreme Court Flags Gaps in Forensic Test of Manipur Violence Audio

The Additional Solicitor General, Aishwarya Bhati, requested additional time to respond to the affidavit concerning the audio's examination. The Supreme Court has scheduled further hearings for January 7, 2026, to continue its scrutiny of the case. The court previously criticized the Central Forensic Science Laboratory's (CFSL) approach, labeling it “misdirected” and clarifying that it had not sought authentication of the clips but rather a thorough examination of the voice samples.

‘Why Only Select Clips? ’ Supreme Court Flags Gaps in Forensic Test of Manipur Violence Audio

KOHUR's petition alleges that Singh was instrumental in inciting and orchestrating violence against the Kuki community, raising serious questions about the state's involvement in the ethnic clashes. Bhushan's assertions suggest a systemic failure in addressing the violence and the subsequent handling of evidence.

‘Why Only Select Clips? ’ Supreme Court Flags Gaps in Forensic Test of Manipur Violence Audio

The Supreme Court's upcoming hearings will focus on the necessity of a comprehensive forensic examination of the audio evidence and the implications of the findings on the ongoing investigation into the ethnic violence in Manipur. The court's insistence on a complete review underscores the critical nature of the evidence in understanding the events that transpired during the violence.

‘Why Only Select Clips? ’ Supreme Court Flags Gaps in Forensic Test of Manipur Violence Audio

• “Once the entire tape was available with you, the entire tape ought to have been sent to the NFSU. Why should they send only this limited one?” — Justice Sanjay Kumar

‘Why Only Select Clips? ’ Supreme Court Flags Gaps in Forensic Test of Manipur Violence Audio

• “Bhushan had earlier alleged that the recorded conversation prima facie showed the complicity and involvement of the state machinery in the violence against the Kuki Zo community.” — Prashant Bhushan, Advocate for KOHUR

‘Why Only Select Clips? ’ Supreme Court Flags Gaps in Forensic Test of Manipur Violence Audio