Supreme Court Redirects Savukku Shankar's Detention Challenge to Madras High Court

The Supreme Court has directed YouTuber and journalist Savukku Shankar to seek relief from the Madras High Court concerning his preventive detention under the Tamil Nadu Goondas Act. Shankar, who was arrested for extortion, faces accusations of targeting by state agencies for his dissent against the DMK government.

The Supreme Court declined a petition challenging YouTuber and journalist Savukku Shankar's preventive detention under the Tamil Nadu Goondas Act, redirecting the plea to the Madras High Court. Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma suggested the state court examine the challenge, urging an expedited hearing if pursued.

Filed by Shankar's nephew, the petition seeks a writ of habeas corpus and the annulment of Shankar's third detention order. Shankar's arrests stem from an extortion case and his critical video content, leading state authorities to invoke the Goondas Act, branding him a ''goonda.''

Allegations of state harassment have surfaced, with accusations of Shankar being targeted for his exposure of alleged corruption within the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government. Previous detention orders were overturned upon judicial examination, raising concerns about the potential misuse of preventive-detention laws.

(With inputs from agencies.)