The Tamil Nadu government has instructed the immediate release of YouTuber and journalist A. Shankar, also known as ‘Savukku’ Shankar, following the State Advisory Board’s decision that there was no valid reason to continue his preventive detention under the Tamil Nadu Preventive Detention Act of 1982. The official order, issued on Tuesday, directed authorities to release Shankar promptly, unless he was held under another law or serving a sentence from a previous conviction. The Advisory Board’s examination of the grounds of detention under Section 10 of the Act led to this decision.
The Board carefully reviewed the records presented by the detaining authority and considered Shankar’s oral representation. In a unanimous decision, the Advisory Board concluded that there was insufficient justification to prolong the detention of “Shankar @ Savukku Shankar.” Consequently, the State government accepted the Board’s assessment and issued the release order. This development marks the third instance where Shankar’s preventive detention has been overturned, underscoring the prolonged legal battles surrounding the YouTuber and political commentator.
Shankar’s initial detention order was nullified by the Madras High Court in August 2024. However, he was detained again shortly after in connection with an alleged offense under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act in Theni district. More recently, Shankar faced legal proceedings after being arrested in Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, on April 8, 2026. Accused of an attempted murder case involving allegations of pelting stones at police escort personnel, he was granted bail by the Madras High Court last week, considering the progress in the investigation. With the government now rescinding his preventive detention, Shankar’s release signifies a significant development in the ongoing legal and judicial processes concerning the controversial YouTuber.
