The Madras High Court has granted bail to journalist and digital media commentator Shankar alias “Savukku Shankar” in a case linked to alleged stone pelting and intimidation of police personnel during his transit from Andhra Pradesh to Chennai.
Justice L. Victoria Gowri observed that a preventive detention order under the Goondas Act cannot automatically prevent a court from considering a regular bail application on its own merits.
Background of the Case
According to the prosecution, Shankar was arrested in Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, on April 8, 2026, and was being brought to Chennai by police officials in connection with another case. During the journey, the police vehicle allegedly stopped near Kavangarai so that he could answer nature’s call.
The prosecution claimed that several persons travelling in another vehicle argued with police personnel, abused them, threw stones and threatened officers. It was further alleged that Shankar also joined the incident and caused panic in the area.
The case was registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including allegations relating to abuse, intimidation and public disturbance.
Defence Questions Prosecution Version
Appearing for the petitioner, counsel argued that the allegations were “artificial” and “inherently unbelievable” because Shankar was already in police custody when the alleged incident took place.
The defence also pointed to what it described as contradictions between two separate criminal cases registered on the same day. According to the submissions, the same hotel manager and vehicle were shown in two conflicting versions of events.
It was further submitted that Shankar, who runs the digital media platform “Savukku,” had faced repeated criminal proceedings and police action in the past.
Court’s Observations
While considering the bail plea, the High Court said the court was not expected to conduct a “mini trial” at the bail stage, but it must still examine whether continued custody was necessary.
Justice Victoria Gowri noted that the petitioner was already in police custody at the time of the alleged occurrence, and said that circumstance was relevant while deciding bail.
The court also took note of the alleged inconsistencies pointed out by the defence regarding the prosecution’s version in two FIRs.
“The same person and same vehicle have been projected in two different and mutually inconsistent versions on the same day,” the court recorded while discussing the defence submissions.
On the prosecution’s objection that Shankar had already been detained under the Tamil Nadu Goondas Act, the court held that preventive detention and criminal custody operate in different fields.
“The entitlement to bail in a criminal case has to be examined independently on the facts of that case,” the bench observed.
Court’s Decision
Allowing the petition, the High Court granted bail to Shankar after noting the period of incarceration, the nature of allegations and the circumstances highlighted by the defence.
The court said,
“Bail is the rule and jail is the exception,” while stressing that personal liberty cannot be curtailed unnecessarily.
The court directed the petitioner to execute a bond of ₹25,000 with two sureties and ordered him to appear before the respondent police daily at 10:30 a.m. until further orders. It also restrained him from tampering with evidence, influencing witnesses or involving himself in similar offences.
Case Details:
Case Title: Shankar @ Savukku Shankar v. The Inspector of Police, M3 Puzhal Police Station
Case Number: CRL OP No. 11627 of 2026
Judge: Justice L. Victoria Gowri
Decision Date: May 7, 2026
