Chennai: The Madras High Court has overturned the detention order against controversial YouTuber Savukku Shankar and ordered his immediate release. A bench comprising Justices SM Subramaniam and Sivagnanam also annulled the application of the Goondas Act, which had been imposed on Shankar.

The ruling came in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by Shankar's mother, Kamala. Shankar, 48, was arrested on May 4 for allegedly making derogatory remarks about women police officers during a YouTube interview. Additionally, a case was lodged against him for alleged possession of ganja at the time of his arrest by Theni police.

During the hearing, the High Court sharply criticized the state government, cautioning against the misuse of preventive detention laws as a tool to suppress freedom of speech. The court warned that such actions could regress society to a "Colonial era." The court further emphasized that those in positions of power should cultivate tolerance and avoid overreacting to media comments.

As a result, the court nullified the preventive detention order issued against Shankar on May 12. Shankar has alleged that the cases against him were orchestrated by Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. "The DMK government is afraid of me. Udhayanidhi Stalin is afraid of me, and that is why new cases are being filed against me," Shankar stated on Thursday as he was brought to Kulitharai court. Despite his release, Shankar still faces several other charges in various cases filed across Tamil Nadu.

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