HC bench gives split ruling over 'Goondas Act' on YouTuber

THE Madras High Court on Friday delivered a split verdict on the legality of detention of jailed YouTuber 'Savukku' Shankar under the Goondas Act in the wake of his arrest in five different cases including ones related to denigration of women police personnel and possession of ganja.

- R SIVAKUMAR

Justice GR Swaminathan, heading the bench, quashed the detention order for procedural lapses as he termed 'non-application of mind' by the Greater Chennai Police Commissioner in approving the detention order in a hurry.

Making a shocking revelation, the judge also said unlike the usual procedure adopted in habeas corpus petitions, he took up the YouTuber's case for final hearing as some influential persons had met him and asked him not to take up the case for final hearing. The judge also held that Shankar's activity is not a threat to public order that would warrant his detention under the Goondas Act.

The dissenting judge, Justice PB Balaji, underscored the need for giving time for the prosecution to file a counter before hearing the case as per usual practice.