Madras HC grants bail to Savukku Shankar in film defamation case
Synopsis
The Madras High Court has granted conditional bail to Savukku Shankar, the outspoken YouTuber-journalist facing charges of defamation, extortion, and assault linked to the film Red and Follow. With a charge sheet already filed and custodial interrogation complete, the court let him out — but not without a daily police-reporting condition that keeps him on a short leash.
Key Takeaways
The Madras High Court granted conditional bail to Savukku Shankar (A.
Shankar) in a case linked to the film Red and Follow .
Bail was passed by Justice R.
Sakthivel of the vacation bench after the police investigation concluded and a charge sheet was filed.
Shankar is directed to appear daily at Adambakkam Police Station until further orders.
The prosecution alleges Shankar demanded ₹10 lakh from complainant P.
Mahesh and later allegedly grabbed ₹1 lakh , assaulted, and threatened him.
Charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 include extortion, criminal intimidation, assault, and use of abusive language.
Criminal proceedings against Shankar continue before the trial court .
The Madras High Court on Wednesday granted conditional bail to YouTuber-journalist A. Shankar, widely known as Savukku Shankar, in a criminal case stemming from alleged defamatory remarks about the Tamil feature film Red and Follow. The bail order was passed by Justice R. Sakthivel during proceedings before the vacation bench in Chennai.
Why the Court Granted Relief
The bench observed that the police investigation had been completed and a charge sheet had already been filed, leaving no further requirement for custodial interrogation. With those conditions met, the court found sufficient grounds to grant Shankar temporary relief from detention.
However, the relief comes with a significant condition: Shankar has been directed to appear daily before the Adambakkam Police Station until the court issues further orders.
What the Prosecution Alleged
According to the prosecution, Shankar publicly claimed that the film Red and Follow had been financed using proceeds from the sale of narcotic drugs allegedly linked to one Ajay Vandaiyar. Investigators contended that these statements caused serious reputational harm to the complainant, identified as P. Mahesh.
The prosecution further alleged that when Mahesh reached out to Shankar seeking clarification, Shankar allegedly demanded ₹10 lakh over the phone. Subsequently, in July last year, Mahesh reportedly visited Shankar's office carrying ₹1 lakh in cash. During that meeting, Shankar allegedly seized the money, physically assaulted Mahesh by kicking him, verbally abused him, and issued threats of serious consequences — all according to the complaint filed by Mahesh.
Charges Filed Under BNS 2023
Based on Mahesh's complaint, the Adambakkam Police registered a case against Shankar under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The charges reportedly include criminal intimidation, extortion, assault, use of abusive language, and associated offences.
What Happens Next
With the High Court granting conditional bail, Shankar has secured temporary relief while the substantive criminal proceedings continue before the trial court. The daily reporting condition signals that the court intends to keep a close watch on Shankar's conduct during the pendency of the case. The outcome of the trial will hinge on the evidence produced before the lower court.
Point of View
Not an acquittal — the charges against him, including extortion and assault, remain live before the trial court. The case is a reminder that the line between adversarial journalism and criminal conduct is one courts will scrutinise closely. The daily reporting condition is unusually restrictive for a bail order in a non-violent defamation matter, suggesting the bench has reservations beyond the paperwork. More broadly, the case raises questions about how Tamil Nadu's film industry intersects with media accountability — a dynamic that rarely receives sustained scrutiny.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Savukku Shankar granted bail by the Madras High Court?
The Madras High Court granted bail because the police investigation had been completed and a charge sheet had already been filed, eliminating the need for further custodial interrogation. Justice R. Sakthivel of the vacation bench passed the order with a condition requiring daily appearance at Adambakkam Police Station.
What is the case against Savukku Shankar about?
The case centres on allegations that Shankar made defamatory public statements claiming the Tamil film Red and Follow was financed through drug-sale proceeds linked to Ajay Vandaiyar. Complainant P. Mahesh alleged that Shankar subsequently demanded ₹10 lakh, and later physically assaulted and threatened him during a meeting at Shankar's office.
What charges has Savukku Shankar been booked under?
Shankar has been charged under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including criminal intimidation, extortion, assault, and use of abusive language, among other associated offences.
What conditions has the court imposed on Savukku Shankar's bail?
The court has directed Shankar to appear daily before the Adambakkam Police Station until further orders are issued. The bail is conditional, meaning a violation of the terms could result in the bail being revoked.
Does the bail mean Savukku Shankar has been acquitted?
No. The bail is temporary relief granted while criminal proceedings continue before the trial court. The charges against Shankar remain active and the case will proceed to trial on its merits.
