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Top Court Orders Test Of Audio Linking Biren Singh To Manipur Violence
In late April 2026, the Supreme Court directed the National Forensic Sciences University to analyze the full two hours and 36 minutes of an audio clip allegedly linking former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh to the state's ethnic violence, by comparing it with admitted voice samples. This followed prior court orders in 2025 and early 2026 related to forensic examination of related clips and requests from the petitioning NGO. The proceedings have involved multiple forensic reviews and questions over the authenticity and tampering of leaked audio.
Why It Matters
The ruling centers on the use of forensic voice analysis to establish or refute alleged links between a political leader and ethnic violence, with implications for accountability and investigative scope in Manipur.
Timeline
7 Events
Court directs analysis of full two-hour audio by NFSU
April 30, 2026
The Supreme Court directed NFSU, Gandhinagar, to analyse the full audio clip lasting two hours and 36 minutes and to compare its voice with the admitted voice samples of Biren Singh. It also ordered that the original pen drive copy be shared with the other side for forwarding to NFSU for testing, and that the final report be submitted in a sealed cover.
Forensic examination of 48-minute recording ordered
January 7, 2026
The top court ordered forensic examination of a 48-minute audio recording and directed comparison with the admitted voice recordings of the former chief minister.
Court questions scope of leaked audio submission
December 15, 2025
The bench questioned why the entire available leaked audio clips were not sent for forensic examination.
NFSU notes audio tampering in leaked clips
November 3, 2025
The court noted that the National Forensic Sciences University had said that the leaked audio clips were tampered with.
SC examines forensic report; fresh report ordered
May 5, 2025
The Supreme Court examined a forensic report on the authenticity of the leaked audio clips and asked the Manipur government to file a fresh report on the probe.
Biren Singh resigns as Manipur chief minister
February 9, 2025
Biren Singh resigned as Manipur's chief minister on February 9, 2025 amid rumblings within the state BJP and growing demands for leadership change.
Violence in Manipur begins and escalates
May 2023
More than 260 people were killed and thousands displaced as ethnic violence began in Manipur in May 2023, following clashes after a Tribal Solidarity March protesting a High Court order on ST status for Meitei.