Controversial Tamil Nadu-based YouTuber and commentator A. Shankar, widely known as Savukku Shankar, has walked out of the Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai after spending over 100 days behind bars. His release on Thursday came following an interim bail order from the Madras High Court, providing him temporary relief in a series of legal cases filed against him.
Court Grants Relief Amidst Multiple Charges
The Madras High Court, in its order on May 15, granted Shankar interim bail, which paved the way for his release from incarceration. The court's decision required him to furnish a personal bond of Rs 10,000. However, his legal troubles are far from over. The interim bail is specifically for a case registered by the Coimbatore Cyber Crime police, and he remains in judicial custody concerning other pending cases.
Shankar's arrest saga began on February 16, when he was initially taken into custody by the Coimbatore Cyber Crime police. His detention was related to serious allegations, including making derogatory comments about women police personnel. The legal net widened soon after. On February 17, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) arrested him in a separate case connected to a disproportionate assets probe.
A Series of Arrests and Legal Proceedings
The situation escalated further when, on May 7, Shankar was arrested yet again. This time, the arrest was made by the Chennai Police in a fresh case. The charges were severe, encompassing sections 153-A (promoting enmity), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), and 505(2) (statements creating fear or alarm) of the Indian Penal Code. This cycle of arrests while already in judicial custody highlighted the multitude of legal challenges facing the commentator.
Following the May 7 arrest, he was produced before a magistrate and subsequently remanded to judicial custody, leading to his confinement at Puzhal prison. The recent interim bail order from the High Court has temporarily suspended his detention, but only for the specific Coimbatore cybercrime case. Authorities have clarified that he has not been granted bail in the other pending cases, meaning he could potentially be detained again in connection with those matters.
Conditions and Ongoing Legal Battle
The court's bail order comes with standard conditions aimed at ensuring Shankar's cooperation with the ongoing judicial process. He is required to appear before the investigating authorities as and when summoned. Furthermore, he must not attempt to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence related to the case. Failure to adhere to these conditions could result in the bail being revoked.
Shankar's release marks a significant, though likely temporary, development in a complex legal battle that has drawn considerable public attention. Known for his sharp and often provocative criticism of government officials and police on his YouTube channel and social media platforms, his arrests have sparked debates about free speech, legal recourse, and the use of stringent laws against critics. His legal team is expected to continue fighting for bail in the remaining cases, including the DVAC's disproportionate assets case and the recent Chennai Police case.
As Savukku Shankar steps out of prison, the focus now shifts to the upcoming court hearings for his other cases. The interim bail provides a respite, but the overarching legal proceedings will determine the final outcome for the prominent Tamil commentator.
