Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has raised concerns over the increasing menace of certain YouTube channels that air derogatory content solely to boost their subscriber base, urging governmental intervention to curb such harmful activities. Justice K. Kumaresh Babu made this observation while hearing an anticipatory bail petition moved by journalist G. Felix Gerald, who runs a YouTube channel called RedPix, in a case filed against him and another individual, Savukku Shankar.
During the hearing, Justice Babu remarked, “It is high time for governmental intervention to curb such harmful activities. The government should step in to control such undesirable activities.” The judge’s remarks came in response to the case registered by the Coimbatore Cyber Crime Cell against Gerald and Shankar under various sections of the IPC and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1988.
The Additional Public Prosecutor (APP), E. Raj Thilak, informed the court that the petitioner had recently interviewed Shankar, who made derogatory comments against women police personnel during the interview. This act, according to Thilak, lowered the morale of the entire police force. Thilak added that although the petitioner had been summoned for an inquiry, he had not appeared before the investigating officer.
The court was told that Shankar had already been arrested in connection with the case. Petitioner’s counsel highlighted Gerald’s 25-year career as a journalist, arguing his professional background. However, the judge asserted that Gerald should have been listed as the primary accused in the case, given his role in facilitating the derogatory remarks made during the interview.
Justice Babu orally observed, “Is this what you even call an interview? The petitioner would have either posed the question, knowing that the interviewee would answer it in a particular way, or he would have let the interviewee make derogatory statements and encouraged the act.” The judge emphasised that it was Gerald who had prompted Shankar to make the derogatory statements against women, thus, he should have been arrayed as the first accused.
ustice K. Kumaresh Babu of the Madras High Court has expressed significant concern over the proliferation of YouTube channels, describing them as troublesome and urging the government to regulate their activities. The judge emphasized that individuals conducting interviews, such as Felix Gerald, should be considered primary offenders (A1) in cases involving derogatory and objectionable statements, as they often provoke interviewees into making such remarks.
During the hearing of an anticipatory bail petition filed by Felix Gerald, who operates the Red Pix YouTube Channel, Justice Kumaresh Babu inquired whether the petitioner could be ordered to appear for an inquiry before the Investigating Officer (IO) on the condition that no coercive measures be taken against him. Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) E. Raj Thilak opposed the suggestion, arguing that it would amount to granting advance bail indirectly. Agreeing with this view, the judge adjourned the bail plea for a week.
In a recent development, Tamil Nadu police arrested Felix Gerald in Delhi. Gerald had travelled to Delhi to meet with the Chairman of the Press Council of India to present a petition. The arrest follows summons issued by the Coimbatore Cyber Crime Unit for Gerald to appear before them on May 10, 2024, in connection with the arrest of Savukku Shankar. Gerald and Shankar face charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1988.
The Cyber Crime Branch of Greater Chennai City has formally arrested Savukku Shankar in connection with two cases following complaints from journalist Sandhya Ravishankar and Tamilar Munnetra Padai founder Veeralakshmi. Another case has been registered against Shankar based on Sandhya Ravishankar’s complaints, charging him with stalking, criminal intimidation, and uttering words or gestures intended to insult modesty. Police allege that Shankar threatened Ravishankar with releasing more videos containing false and obscene narratives.
In addition, the Nilgiris District Cyber Crime Police have registered a case against Shankar following a complaint from the Pudumund Inspector, alleging that Shankar made defamatory remarks against women police personnel.
Recently, the Madras High Court closed a Habeas Corpus petition filed by Shankar’s mother. The court directed prison authorities to consider her plea to transfer Shankar from Coimbatore prison to another facility due to allegations of custodial violence and threats to his life. Shankar has been seen with an arm sling on his right arm in videos when being brought to court, suggesting he may have suffered injuries while in custody.
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