Is Savukku Shankar A Threat To National Security? SC Asks Tamil Nadu Govt

Supreme Court on Monday rapped the Tamil Nadu government over the arrest of YouTuber Savukku Shankar under the Goondas Act.

"You also cannot be too harsh and have to act properly. Preventive detention is a serious law; is he a threat to national security?" A Bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah questioned.

The court asked, "His (Shankar's) conduct is also unpardonable. Why should we not grant interim protection?"

Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for Tamil Nadu, said, that the YouTuber is a habitual offender. "I do not want to use the word. He has made allegations against lady police officers and given interviews," the advocate added.

The court then said that it could ask the High Court to take up the matter for disposal. "Matter to be taken up next on Thursday," it added.

Shankar, a former employee of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), is known for his frequent appearances on Tamil YouTube channels. He has a history of legal troubles, including a two-month jail term in 2022 after the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court sentenced him to six months for contempt.

During an interview, he referred to police officers as "scoundrels."

Going by a statement issued by the Coimbatore Police, the YouTuber has seven cases pending against him in different parts of the country, including a drug case.

The sections of the Goondas Act have been invoked against him and the detention order under the act was served on Shankar by a cybercrime police official on May 12.

"District Cyber Crime has filed FIR under sections 294(b), 353, 509 of IPC, 67 of IT Act and 4 of TN Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act based on a complaint by Mussiri Deputy SP Yasmin," Police had said in a statement.