The Madras High Court granted 12-week interim bail to YouTube journalist Savukku Shankar, noting repeated incarceration and misuse of criminal law against him. The judges flagged abuse of process, medical concerns, and continuous violation of his personal liberty.
NEW DELHI: Today, 24th Feb, The Supreme Court of India directed that all First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against YouTuber Savukku Shankar be combined for investigation. However, the investigation in the main FIR, which was registered on May 3, 2024, at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Coimbatore, will continue separately.
On Friday(26th July),The Madras High Court bench of Justice M.S. Ramesh and Justice Sunder Mohan has recused itself from A. Kamala’s habeas corpus plea challenging her son Savukku Shankar’s detention under the Goondas Act. The recusal follows Kamala’s remarks against the bench in a Supreme Court petition, highlighting concerns over freedom of speech and judicial independence.
Today, On 12th June, the Madras High Court set to hear the habeas corpus petition for YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar’s release. The court has allowed his mother to request the state government for his temporary medical release. The case has drawn attention due to conflicting opinions among judges and potential implications for free speech and civil liberties in India.
Justice G. Jayachandran criticized Justice G.R. Swaminathan for bias against State police and hasty decision-making in YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar’s detention case. Swaminathan’s failure to consult his bench partner and refusal to allow the State to file a counter affidavit led Jayachandran to declare Swaminathan’s opinion invalid. Swaminathan’s explanations were deemed inadequate.
Today, On 23rd May, The Madras High Court mandated full disclosure of files related to the detention of journalist Savukku Shankar under the Goondas Act. This move emphasizes transparency and highlights the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding individual rights against arbitrary state actions. The court refrained from the usual order of directing a notice, insisting on personally reviewing the entire file.