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Writer's pictureLegal Soch Foundation
2 min read

Supreme Court Criticizes TN Govt for Repeated Detention of YouTuber Savukku Shankar

The Supreme Court on August 23 criticized the Tamil Nadu government for the repeated detention of YouTuber and independent journalist Savukku Shankar. The Court was hearing a challenge against the 16 FIRs filed against Shankar in connection with an online interview. During the hearing, a bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra questioned the state's actions, noting, "He comes out and you immediately put him behind bars." The Court expressed its concern over the pattern of Shankar’s detentions and granted the state more time to file additional documents.


Savukku Shankar's legal troubles began following his arrest on May 4, 2024, for allegedly making defamatory remarks against female police personnel during an interview on the YouTube channel RedPix 24x7 on April 30, 2024. This incident led to the filing of 16 FIRs across different districts in Tamil Nadu. Advocate Balaji Srinivasan, representing Shankar, requested the Court to club the present case with a habeas corpus petition challenging Shankar's recent detention. This petition, filed by Shankar’s mother, was previously addressed by a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, which had sought a response from the Tamil Nadu government.


However, Senior Advocate Siddarth Luthra, appearing for the state, opposed the request for clubbing the matters, arguing that the recent detention was under a different offence than those covered by the 16 FIRs. The Court decided to consider this request at the next hearing, given the limited time available. Notably, the Supreme Court had earlier issued a stay on coercive actions against Shankar concerning the 16 FIRs. Shankar was released on bail on August 12 but was detained again within hours under the Tamil Nadu 'Goondas' Act, which was initially quashed by the Madras High Court on August 9, 2024. The case continues to highlight the ongoing legal battles faced by Savukku Shankar.


Case Reference: A. Shankar @Savukku Shankar v. State of Tamil Nadu & Ors., W.P.(Crl.) No. 000340 / 2024.






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