Fresh Detention of YouTuber Shankar Raises Eyebrows Amid Legal Controversies

The Supreme Court took note of the fresh detention of YouTuber Shankar under the Goondas Act by Tamil Nadu Police in a ganja possession case. Despite previous releases ordered by both the Supreme Court and the Madras High Court, Shankar was rearrested, sparking legal scrutiny and controversy.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday acknowledged the new detention of YouTuber Shankar, known as 'Savukku' Shankar, under the stringent Goondas Act by Tamil Nadu Police. The detention arises from a ganja possession case lodged in May.

After a brief release, Shankar was rearrested by state police on Monday. Notably, just four days prior, the Madras High Court overturned a detention order from the Chennai City Police Commissioner, directing Shankar's immediate release unless required in another case. This follows an earlier interim release order from the Supreme Court on July 18.

A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra recorded lawyer Balaji Srinivasan's plea highlighting the fresh arrest. The CJI emphasized the court's standing protection against coercive action in 16 FIRs against Shankar, and asked for a detailed chart of these cases. Previously accused in multiple cases and critical of the DMK regime, Shankar faces ongoing legal battles amidst repeated arrests.

(With inputs from agencies.)