'How Can Someone Threaten An Investigating Officer By Calling Him A Murderer?', Says Madras HC In Savukku Shankar Bail Case

Chennai: The Madras High Court has condemned Savukku Shankar, who is out on conditional bail, for threatening the investigating officer by calling him a murderer, stating that such behaviour is unacceptable.

The petition filed by the police department seeking the cancellation of the bail granted to YouTuber Savukku Shankar came up for hearing today before a bench comprising Justices P. Velmurugan and Jyothiraman.

The lawyer representing the police department argued, "Savukku Shankar is not cooperating with the investigation and is threatening the investigating officers through phone calls and WhatsApp calls. He is also threatening the witnesses. He has called the investigating officer a murderer. Savukku Shankar, who obtained bail for medical treatment, continues to post videos on YouTube. Therefore, his bail should be revoked."

He also submitted the videos recently uploaded by Savukku Shankar to the judges. The bench of Justices P. Velmurugan and Jothiraman, after reviewing the matter, observed, "Just because there is freedom of expression and speech, does that mean one can speak disrespectfully? Is it permissible to use derogatory language? How can someone threaten an investigating officer by calling him a murderer? What guarantee is there that he won't call judges 'murderer judges' in a similar manner?"

"One must first understand what freedom of expression means before speaking. Shankar's mother filed a case in court for her son, and it was on that basis that interim bail was granted. It is his mother who should advise her son not to speak to officials in this manner. Interim bail was granted only for Savukku Shankar's medical treatment. For that purpose, this court imposed certain conditions. The police have filed a petition to revoke the interim bail because those conditions were violated. The accused must respond to that petition. He must argue with evidence that he did not violate the bail conditions. He should not argue on the merits of the main case," said the bench, adding that an order in this case will be pronounced on January 23, 2026.

Earlier, the HC on Monday warned against any attempt to 'blackmail' the judiciary and made it clear that it would not recuse itself from hearing the bail cancellation plea against YouTuber Savukku Shankar.

Savukku Shankar was arrested on December 13, 2025, in connection with fraud cases registered at the Adambakkam and Saidapet police stations. Following his arrest, his mother Kamala filed a habeas corpus petition before the Madras High Court, citing health reasons. The court granted him interim conditional bail for three months, valid until March 25.

Later, the police approached the High Court seeking cancellation of the interim bail. In their petition, they alleged that Savukku Shankar had violated bail conditions by continuing to post videos that were defamatory in nature. The police also informed the court that a medical team was available at Stanley Government Hospital to provide him with treatment.

During an earlier hearing, the bench questioned whether it was approached to obtain bail on medical grounds and then allegedly intimidated witnesses. The court directed the police to submit all relevant documents and asked Kamala to file a response to the cancellation plea.

When the case came up for hearing on January 19, counsel appearing for Savukku requested that the bench not hear the matter and sought its transfer to another bench through the Chief Justice.

Reacting sharply, the judges said, "Do not try to blackmail the court. That will not work." They made it clear that they would not recuse themselves and had never accepted such requests in the past.

The bench added that if Savukku wanted, he could approach the Chief Justice separately for relief. Despite a petition expressing a lack of confidence in the bench, the judges reiterated they would continue to hear the case. The court directed Savukku to file his response and adjourned the hearing to January 20.

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