New Delhi, August 4: The Supreme Court on Monday expressed concern over the prolonged delay in receiving a fresh forensic report on audio tapes allegedly implicating former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the ethnic violence that rocked the state last year.

During the hearing, a bench comprising Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma questioned why the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) had not submitted its report even three months after the Court had ordered it in May 2025. The directive followed the Court’s dissatisfaction with an earlier report submitted by the Central FSL in April, during a hearing before a bench led by former Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna.

The petition was filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust, seeking a court-monitored probe into the controversial audio clips, purportedly containing the voice of the former CM. These recordings allegedly point to Singh’s involvement in fueling ethnic unrest between Meitei and Kuki communities.

At the outset, Justice Kumar asked, “What happened to the forensic report? That should have come at least. This order was passed in May 2025. Three months have passed. By now, the forensic laboratory must have given you a report. At least tell us whether the report has come or it’s still in the pipeline.”

When the counsel representing Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought two more weeks, the bench appeared unconvinced. “How long does it take FSL to give a definite report on the analysis of the voice? We will pass it over. This can’t go endlessly,” Justice Kumar remarked, indicating frustration with the delay.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, pointed out that the audio tapes surfaced over a year ago and added that Truth Labs, a private forensic facility, had already authenticated the recordings.

Previously, in February, the Supreme Court had asked for a Central FSL report on the same tapes. Around that time, President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur, and a few days earlier, Biren Singh had resigned from his post amid mounting political and public pressure.

The case has already passed through multiple benches, including one headed by former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, which earlier asked the petitioner to submit proof of the audio clips’ authenticity.