The Supreme Court of India addressed a fresh plea regarding the re-detention of Tamil Nadu YouTuber Shankar, widely known as ‘Savukku’ Shankar, who was recently taken into custody under the stringent Goondas Act. This development comes despite previous high court orders for his release.
On Wednesday, a bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, reviewed the circumstances of Shankar’s re-arrest by Tamil Nadu Police. This occurred shortly after both the apex court and the Madras High Court had facilitated his interim release in relation to multiple cases, including derogatory statements and possession of ganja.
The Supreme Court’s involvement escalated after Shankar’s legal counsel, Balaji Srinivasan, highlighted his client’s re-arrest, stating, “I got bail in all cases and now they have detained me again.” In response, Chief Justice Chandrachud remarked on the need for a comprehensive review of all 16 FIRs filed against Shankar, indicating the court’s readiness to hear the fresh plea and calling for detailed documentation of the cases.
Shankar, a 48-year-old former special assistant in the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, has been a vocal critic of the DMK government and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. His contentious online activities have led to multiple arrests, most recently on May 4 for alleged derogatory comments during a YouTube interview and subsequent ganja possession charges filed by Theni police.
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The Madras High Court had recently overturned a previous detention under the Goondas Act by the Chennai City Police Commissioner, citing legal overreach and ordering Shankar’s release, provided he was not implicated in other legal matters. The high court’s decision underscored the legal scrutiny such detentions often undergo, with provisions under the Goondas Act allowing for up to one year of imprisonment, subject to advisory board reviews and high court validations.
