The Madras High Court on Thursday declined to cancel the interim bail granted to journalist A. Shankar, popularly known as Savukku Shankar, but came down firmly on his conduct while on bail. The court imposed stricter restrictions, barred him from making any public statements on his pending cases, and directed an independent medical examination by a government medical board.
The order was passed by a Division Bench of Justice P. Velmurugan and Justice M. Jothiraman, while hearing a plea filed by the Tamil Nadu Police seeking cancellation of Shankar’s interim bail.
Background of the Case
Savukku Shankar was arrested in December 2025 in connection with Crime No. 519 of 2025 registered by the Saidapet Police. The case includes allegations under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges relating to obstruction of public servants and criminal intimidation.
Citing serious health concerns cardiac issues, diabetes, and hypertension his mother approached the High Court seeking medical relief. On 26 December 2025, the court granted Shankar 12 weeks’ interim bail strictly for medical treatment, subject to stringent conditions. These included non-interference with witnesses, full cooperation with the investigation, and a clear warning that the bail should not be misused.
State Alleges Bail Misuse
The State later moved the court seeking cancellation of interim bail, alleging that Shankar had violated multiple conditions imposed earlier.
The prosecution argued that instead of focusing on medical treatment, Shankar was actively uploading videos on YouTube and posting content on social media. According to the State, these posts included comments on the ongoing investigation, references to the complainant, and criticism of investigating officers.
“The interim bail was granted only for medical purposes, but the accused has converted it into a platform for public commentary,” the Additional Public Prosecutor submitted.
The State also accused Shankar of concealing a mobile phone, allegedly used to threaten the complainant, and later displaying it publicly online. Another allegation involved interfering with an ongoing police enquiry by forcibly removing a co-accused from the investigation premises.
Defence Claims Political Targeting
Shankar’s counsel strongly opposed the cancellation plea, calling it an attempt to silence a journalist critical of the State. He argued that Shankar is a known investigative journalist who has exposed corruption and abuse of power, and that he has been facing multiple cases due to his work.
The defence maintained that Shankar had followed all medical advice, complied with bail conditions, and that his online statements fell under the right to free speech.
Court’s Observations
The Bench made it clear that interim bail is not a right, but a concession granted under exceptional circumstances.
The judges observed that freedom of speech does not give an accused person the liberty to comment publicly on an active criminal investigation.
“When a person is facing investigation, public statements on the case, witnesses, or police actions can prejudice the process,” the Bench observed.
The court noted that Shankar’s conduct particularly displaying alleged evidence online and intervening in police enquiries prima facie amounted to a breach of bail conditions.
At the same time, the judges acknowledged the seriousness of his medical condition and said an outright cancellation of bail was not appropriate at this stage.
Medical Board Examination Ordered
To remove any doubt about the genuineness of the medical grounds cited, the court directed the Dean of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai, to form a special medical board.
Shankar has been ordered to appear before the board on 2 February 2026, and the medical report must be submitted to the court in a sealed cover.
Final Decision
While refusing to cancel interim bail for now, the Madras High Court tightened the conditions significantly. Shankar has been barred from:
- Making any public or media statements on pending cases
- Contacting witnesses or co-accused
- Engaging in any activity unrelated to medical treatment or legal consultation
The court warned that any further violation would lead to immediate cancellation of bail. With these directions, the State’s plea for cancellation of interim bail was disposed of
Case Title: The State of Tamil Nadu vs. A. Kamala & Others
