A CASE STUDY OF FORENSIC EVIDENCE IN MANIPUR: UTILIZING MITOCHONDRIAL DNA ANALYSIS TO RESOLVE A PATERNITY DISPUTE
AUTHOR – SOROKHAIBAM SATYAJYOTI SINGH1 & DR. S. JAMES2
1 PHD RESEARCH SCHOLAR, DEPARTMENT OF LAW, MANIPUR INTRANATIONAL UNIVERSITY
IMPHAL, MANIPUR, INDIA
2 PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF LAW. MANIPUR INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, IMPHAL, MANIPUR, INDIA
BEST CITATION – SOROKHAIBAM SATYAJYOTI SINGH & DR. S. JAMES, A CASE STUDY OF FORENSIC EVIDENCE IN MANIPUR: UTILIZING MITOCHONDRIAL DNA ANALYSIS TO RESOLVE A PATERNITY DISPUTE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (1) OF 2025, PG. 657-662, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
Abstract
This case study explores the application of mitochondrial DNA (Mt DNA) analysis in resolving a challenging paternity dispute in Manipur, India. The case involved a claim from one man asserting paternity over a child, while the mother contended that another man was the biological father. Amid the complexity of the dispute, Mt DNA analysis provided a critical alternative to conventional DNA testing methods. Samples from the child, mother, and both alleged fathers were subjected to thorough analysis, focusing on hypervariable regions to identify rare genetic markers. The findings confirmed the maternal lineage and established a distinct genetic link to one of the alleged fathers through shared Mt DNA patterns. This outcome highlights the effectiveness of Mt DNA analysis in forensic science, particularly when presented with ambiguous or rare genetic evidence. Furthermore, the case emphasizes the importance of collaboration between forensic specialists and the legal system in accurately interpreting DNA evidence to support judicial decisions. The results of this investigation advocate for the broader integration of mitochondrial DNA analysis in paternity testing and forensic investigations.
This case study investigates the role of mitochondrial DNA (Mt DNA) analysis in resolving a complex paternity dispute in Manipur, India. The case arose when a man claimed paternity over a child, while the mother maintained that another man was the biological father. Given the contentious nature of the claims, the court mandated genetic testing to clarify the child’s biological connections. Traditional autosomal DNA profiling was deemed inconclusive due to the presence of unique and rare genetic markers among the alleged fathers. Consequently, the forensic team opted for comprehensive Mt DNA analysis, focusing on hypervariable regions (HVRs) known for their variability among individuals. Samples from the child, mother, and both alleged fathers underwent meticulous testing to identify and compare Mt DNA sequences.
Keywords: Forensic Science, Mitochondrial DNA, Genetic Interpretation, Judicial Decision.