Fri Dec 26 18:36:31 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Madras High Court Grants Interim Bail to YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar in 17 Cases
CHENNAI, India – December 27, 2025 – The Madras High Court has granted interim bail to controversial YouTuber A. Shankar, known as “Savukku” Shankar, in 17 criminal cases. The ruling, delivered Friday, December 26th, by Justices S.M. Subramaniam and P. Dhanabal, cites concerns over the “abuse of process of law” and the YouTuber’s health conditions.
The court took into consideration Shankar’s cardiac issues, including two stents, and chronic diabetes, stating that Article 21 of the Constitution, guaranteeing the right to life and personal liberty, extends to the right to health, even for prison inmates. The court also expressed serious concerns about alleged mental harassment Shankar faced while incarcerated, including solitary confinement.
The ruling stemmed from a habeas corpus petition filed by Shankar’s mother, A. Kamala, who sought to prevent her son’s isolation and secure medical treatment. The court observed that this was the second preventive detention order slapped on Shankar, raising suspicion regarding targeted harassment by the ruling government.
“This court is unable to understand as to why one particular individual, who is an YouTube journalist, has been repeatedly incarcerated by the law enforcement agency,” the justices wrote, adding that the second detention order was issued “immediately after the first detention order was set aside by this court.”
The judges emphasized that the professionalism of law enforcement should not be compromised by targeting individuals out of favor with the government.
Shankar is required to execute a personal bond of ₹1 lakh before his release and must surrender to authorities by March 25, 2026.
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The Hindu is a leading Indian newspaper providing comprehensive coverage of news, business, culture, and technology. This article was published in the December 26, 2025, e-Paper edition.
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