Mon Mar 09 13:22:08 UTC 2026: # Madras High Court Grants Time for Police Response in ‘Savukku’ Shankar Case

The Story:
The Madras High Court on Monday, March 9, 2026, granted the Chennai Cyber Crime police four weeks to file a counter affidavit in a case involving YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar, also known as A. Shankar. The case stems from 32 tweets posted in 2020 allegedly targeting former Chief Ministers Edappadi K. Palaniswami and O. Panneerselvam, as well as other politicians. The court adjourned the hearing on Shankar’s criminal revision petition, filed in October 2025, to April 9, 2026, extending an interim stay on the case proceedings at the XI Metropolitan Magistrate court in Saidapet, Chennai.

Key Points:

  • The Madras High Court granted the Chennai Cyber Crime police until April 9, 2026, to file a counter affidavit.
  • The case involves 32 tweets posted in 2020 by ‘Savukku’ Shankar allegedly targeting former Chief Ministers and other politicians.
  • Shankar filed a criminal revision petition in October 2025 against a Magistrate’s order refusing to discharge him from the case.
  • The chargesheet against Shankar includes Sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
  • Shankar claims he was falsely implicated and denies posting the tweets, arguing they are expressions of opinion on public affairs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The case highlights ongoing debates about freedom of speech and expression in the digital age, particularly concerning social media posts by public figures.
  • The delay in filing the police counter affidavit suggests potential complexities in the investigation or legal proceedings.
  • The court’s decision to grant additional time indicates the seriousness with which it is treating the case and the need for a thorough response from the prosecution.

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