Justice Delayed, Justice Denied? The Supreme Court’s frustration over the forensic report on alleged Biren Singh audio tapes highlights the protracted timeline of the case, contrasting sharply with the swift analysis typically seen in private and government labs. This delay raises concerns about potential obstruction in the pursuit of accountability for the Manipur violence.
BY PC Bureau
Yet another date, yet another lab report, yet another attempt to drag the judicial process while thousands of victims of the May 3, 2023, violence—which claimed 250 lives and displaced nearly 60,000 people—await justice. This delay is particularly stark when considering the potential speed of audio tape analysis.
The Supreme Court’s proceedings today, concerning the forensic analysis of the alleged Biren Singh audio tapes, were marked by this palpable unease. The bench’s immediate demand for a re-examination of the lab report, without detailed justifications, speaks volumes. It suggests a fundamental lack of confidence in the initial findings, and perhaps, in the handling of the investigation into the May 3, 2023, violence.
A key question remains: the protracted delay in validating the audio tape’s contents, which could highlight the culpability of those behind the violence. This case, concerning audio that surfaced months after the May 3 violence, was filed in the Supreme Court in early November 2024. Yet, nearly seven months since the filing, conclusive forensic certification remains elusive. This delay is particularly concerning, given that in urgent cases, private forensic laboratories specializing in audio analysis can often deliver voice spectrography reports within 1 to 3 days, leveraging streamlined processes and dedicated resources. Even government forensic laboratories, while often burdened by higher caseloads, have demonstrated the capacity for turnaround times of under a week when the urgency of a case is clearly emphasized and prioritization is applied.
⏱️ Forensic Audio Analysis Timelines: At a Glance
| Type of Lab | Usual Timeframe | Time in Urgent Cases |
| 🔬 Private Forensic Lab | 3–7 days | 1–3 days |
| 🏛️ Government Forensic Lab (CFSL) | 2–4 weeks (standard) | 5–7 days (if prioritized) |
🗒️ Note: These timeframes apply to voice authentication and audio verification using spectrographic analysis and waveform matching. Delays beyond these windows are typically administrative or deliberate.
In this context, the distrust expressed by the Supreme Court in the lab report is not unfounded. The context is crucial: Manipur, two years after the violence, remains fractured. Allegations of political complicity and systemic failures have eroded public trust. The audio tapes, if authenticated, could implicate high-ranking officials in the crisis.
ALSO READ: HC Dismisses Dual Citizenship Plea Against Rahul Gandhi
The court’s dismissal of the Solicitor General’s attempts to discredit the petitioner—Kuki Organisation for Human Right Trust (KOHUR)– underscores its determination to prioritize substance over procedural formalities. The court is not swayed by attempts to deflect attention.
The demand for a re-examination is a signal that the court is not satisfied and demands rigorous analysis. The expedited hearing, for July 2025, accentuates the court’s urgency.
The court’s declaration that no “wrongdoer” will be protected serves as a warning. This declaration, coupled with the court’s dissatisfaction, suggests a willingness to confront truths.
The delay in authenticating the tapes has fueled suspicions. The court’s actions today signal its intent to break through roadblocks.
The implications of this case extend beyond legal proceedings. It tests the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice in a sensitive environment. The court’s actions will be scrutinized.
The court’s role is to act as a guardian of justice. In a state where trust is eroded, the court’s actions will restore faith. The court’s message is clear: it will not tolerate attempts to shield those responsible. The demand for analysis is a declaration of intent. The court is watching.
Here is how this case has dragged. A timeline:
May 3, 2023: Ethnic violence erupts in Manipur.
- Late 2023 (Exact Date Unspecified): Alleged audio recording of N. Biren Singh surfaces.
- August 2024: Parts of the audio tape leak publicly.
- October 9, 2024: KOHUR files writ petition in the Supreme Court.
- October 22, 2024: Supreme Court registers KOHUR’s petition.
- November 8, 2024: Supreme Court agrees to examine audio, seeks verification materials.
- January 22, 2025: KOHUR submits Truth Labs forensic report.
- February 3, 2025: Supreme Court hears petition, seeks CFSL report within three weeks.
- February 9, 2025: N. Biren Singh resigns as Manipur Chief Minister; President’s Rule imposed.
- April 17, 2025: Centre informs SC CFSL report ready, hearing deferred to May 5.
- May 5, 2025: Supreme Court reviews CFSL report, expresses dissatisfaction, and orders a fresh forensic report. Case relisted for the week commencing July 21, 2025.
