Madras High Court Orders Medical Examination for YouTuber Savukku Shankar, Sets Stringent Bail Terms
The Madras High Court has taken a significant step in the case involving YouTuber Savukku Shankar by directing the constitution of an expert medical board to assess his health condition. This development comes approximately one month after Shankar was granted bail on medical grounds, highlighting the court's ongoing scrutiny of his situation.
Court Directs Medical Examination and Report Submission
A division bench comprising Justice P Velmurugan and Justice M Jothiraman has issued specific instructions regarding the medical examination. Shankar has been directed to appear before the medical team on February 2 at 8:00 AM for a thorough assessment. The medical board is required to submit its findings in a sealed cover to the court on or before February 3, ensuring confidentiality and impartiality in the process.
Interim Bail Maintained with Explicit Restrictions
While the bench declined to cancel Shankar's interim bail at this stage, citing the medical records presented in court, it emphasized the need for strict oversight. The court imposed explicit restrictions to prevent any misuse of the liberty granted to him. In a pointed observation, the bench stated, "Interim bail granted for a limited purpose, particularly on medical grounds, cannot be converted into a licence to engage in conduct that defeats the very object for which such concession was granted." This underscores the court's intent to balance humanitarian considerations with judicial integrity.
Strict Conditions Imposed on Shankar's Activities
The court has laid down comprehensive conditions to regulate Shankar's conduct during the bail period. These include:
- Confining his movements strictly to purposes related to medical treatment and legal consultation.
- Refraining from any activity that could impede or prejudice the ongoing investigation.
- A prohibition on making statements or comments regarding the cases under investigation through any media platform, including social media, electronic media, print media, or public forums.
- A ban on contacting or communicating with co-accused individuals or witnesses in the case, either directly or indirectly.
- An injunction against attempting to influence, intimidate, or interfere with any parties involved in the case.
Judicial Emphasis on Ethical Standards for Video Journalists
In a broader commentary, the judges highlighted the critical role of video journalists in today's digital landscape. They remarked, "Video journalists must adhere to high ethical standards to maintain public trust and credibility. In the digital age, they are on the front lines in combating misinformation and disinformation." This statement reflects the court's awareness of the responsibilities that come with digital media influence and its potential impact on legal proceedings.
Consequences of Violating Bail Conditions
The court has made it clear that any violation of the imposed conditions will be treated with utmost seriousness. Such breaches could lead to the cancellation of Shankar's interim bail without further reference to the court, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of these stipulations. This serves as a stern warning to ensure compliance and uphold the sanctity of the judicial process.
This ruling by the Madras High Court not only addresses the immediate concerns regarding Shankar's health and bail but also sets a precedent for handling similar cases involving digital media personalities. By integrating medical oversight with stringent legal conditions, the court aims to safeguard both individual rights and the integrity of ongoing investigations.
