CHENNAI: On September 25, the Supreme Court ordered the release of popular YouTuber Savukku Shankar following the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to revoke his preventive detention under the Goondas Act. Shankar, who had been arrested on May 4, 2024, was detained after allegedly making derogatory comments about women police officers during a YouTube interview on the RedPix 24×7 channel. His arrest and subsequent detention had sparked widespread debate, with critics accusing the DMK government of targeting Shankar due to his vocal opposition.
The Arrest and Detention
Savukku Shankar’s detention came after multiple cases were filed against him across Tamil Nadu, particularly following his comments in an interview on April 30, 2024. His detention was initially quashed by the Madras High Court on August 9, but the Tamil Nadu government re-arrested him under the Goondas Act later that month. The preventive detention law, officially known as the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act, is often used for suspected offenders involved in drug smuggling, bootlegging, or other dangerous activities.
Shankar was first granted bail on July 29 in connection with several other cases. However, just as he was about to be released from jail on August 12, he was re-detained under the Goondas Act. This second arrest led to a prolonged legal battle, with Shankar’s mother filing a habeas corpus petition challenging the state’s repeated attempts to keep him in custody.
Legal Battle and Supreme Court Intervention
Shankar’s detention became a matter of national attention after his mother, Kamala, filed the habeas corpus petition titled A. Kamala vs. State of Tamil Nadu and Others. She claimed that her son was a victim of a political vendetta orchestrated by the DMK government, which aimed to silence his outspoken criticism. According to her, the state had systematically filed 16 First Information Reports (FIRs) against him in various locations, creating a situation where he was consistently being rearrested.
On August 14, the Supreme Court stayed any coercive action in connection with these FIRs, but the legal challenges continued. On September 25, the habeas corpus petition came up before a bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra. During the hearing, the counsel for the Tamil Nadu government informed the court that the state’s advisory board had reviewed Shankar’s detention and found it unjustified. Following this, the government revoked the detention order.
In response, the Supreme Court ordered Shankar’s immediate release, stating, “In view of the aforesaid, the detenue Shankar @ Savukku Shankar shall be released forthwith if not required in any other case.”
Shankar’s Response and Ongoing Challenges
Shankar was released from the Madurai prison hours after the Supreme Court order. Speaking to the media outside the jail, he remained defiant, stating that he would continue his work undeterred by his arrest. He criticized the DMK government and Chief Minister MK Stalin, accusing them of suppressing press freedom.
“Stalin grew up under the shadow of his father, former Chief Minister Karunanidhi, who was a journalist. But under Stalin’s rule, freedom of the press is under attack, and journalists are being arrested for criticizing the government,” Shankar said. He also alleged that during his time in Coimbatore jail, he was physically assaulted. “They broke my arms in Coimbatore jail, but in other prisons, I was treated well. They froze my bank accounts, sealed my office, and filed cases against my employees. But I will not stop my work.”
Shankar’s detention had drawn attention due to his previous high-profile exposé of the “cash for jobs” scam, which had led to the arrest of DMK Minister V. Senthil Balaji. The case had resulted in the minister’s resignation and his subsequent imprisonment. Shankar remains embroiled in legal challenges, including a case lodged by the Theni police for the alleged possession of cannabis.
Political Implications and Broader Context
Shankar’s case has sparked a broader debate on the use of preventive detention laws like the Goondas Act, which critics argue are being misused by the Tamil Nadu government to target its political opponents. Shankar, a vocal critic of the ruling DMK party, has repeatedly accused the government of using these legal tools to silence dissent and suppress press freedom.
The Supreme Court’s intervention and Shankar’s release have been seen as a blow to the DMK government, especially in light of the growing scrutiny over its handling of free speech and criticism. The advisory board’s decision to revoke Shankar’s detention may also reflect broader concerns over the state’s use of preventive detention in cases of political activism.
