The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Tamil Nadu government to provide an explanation by September 2 regarding the detention of well-known YouTuber Savukku Shankar, which occurred immediately after his release in connection with several criminal cases. The court’s direction comes as part of the ongoing legal proceedings involving multiple FIRs filed against Shankar.A bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra expressed concern over the sequence of events that led to Shankar’s detention just a day after his release. The court noted that while it cannot consolidate FIRs if the incidents are distinct and unrelated, it will review the state government’s decision to detain Shankar under the Goondas Act.
“The distinct (FIR) one we will not club. Take a look at the detention order and tell us as to why one day he is released and then again detained,” Chief Justice Chandrachud remarked, addressing senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government. Rohatgi requested time until Monday to respond to the court’s query.
The bench acknowledged that 15 FIRs had already been consolidated and indicated that it would consider the state’s decision to impose fresh detention on Shankar. The court instructed both parties to submit brief notes for further consideration.
The Tamil Nadu government, represented by Rohatgi, argued that Shankar had made derogatory statements, including allegations that all Madras High Court judges were corrupt. Rohatgi asserted that these remarks, along with other statements made against women police officials, did not warrant intervention from the Supreme Court.
However, senior advocate R Balasubramanian, representing Shankar, opposed the state’s stance and highlighted concerns over the misuse of the Goondas Act in Tamil Nadu. He pointed out that 51 percent of all detainees under this act in the country come from Tamil Nadu each year, indicating what he described as a “rampant misuse” of the law.
The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing to September 2, when it will further examine the justifications provided by the Tamil Nadu government for Shankar’s detention and the broader implications of the state’s application of the Goondas Act.
