YouTuber Gerald Felix arrested by Tamil Nadu police in ‘Savukku’ Shankar case

On Thursday, 9 May, the Madras High Court refused the anticipatory bail to Felix and granted the police one week to respond to the plea.

As reported by the Bar and Bench, the court also observed that some YouTube channels were deliberately publishing derogatory content to boost their subscription, and were thus turning out to be a “menace to the society.”

Justice K Kumaresh Babu, who was presiding over a vacation bench, also said that the government must step in to “control these undesirable activities.”

The court remarked that Felix too should have been arrayed as an accused along with Shankar.

In the interview, Shankar purportedly made damning allegations regarding the conduct of several women police constables and sub-inspectors, implying they engaged in compromises with senior male officers for personal gain in transfers, postings, and promotions.

The video also reportedly contained derogatory remarks about the police force at large.

Both Sankar and Felix face a litany of charges, including those under Sections 294(b), 509, and 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Additionally, they are accused under Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Woman Act and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Also Read: ‘Savukku’ Shankar’s arrest in Tamil Nadu sparks debate on free speech and whistleblower rights

(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)