Tamil Nadu revokes preventive detention order against Youtuber Savukku Shankar

UPDATED: May 20, 2026 18:15 IST

The Tamil Nadu government has revoked the preventive detention order issued against YouTuber and social commentator Savukku Shankar under the Tamil Nadu Goondas Act, 1982.

According to an order issued by the Home, Prohibition and Excise (XIII) Department on May 19, 2026, the state government cancelled the detention order that the Greater Chennai Commissioner of Police had issued on April 9, 2026.

The order identified the detainee as Thiru A Shankar alias Savukku Shankar, son of Achimuthu, aged 50 years. He had been detained under the Tamil Nadu Preventive Detention Act, 1982, commonly referred to as the Goondas Act.

The revocation came after the Advisory Board reviewed the grounds of detention, connected records submitted by the detaining authority, and Savukku Shankar’s oral representation. The Board unanimously concluded that there was no sufficient cause for continuing his detention.

Based on the Board’s opinion and under Section 12(2) of the Tamil Nadu Act 14 of 1982, the government revoked the detention order and directed authorities to release Savukku Shankar immediately, unless he was required in connection with any other case or sentence imposed by a court.

The order was issued by Deputy Secretary to Government P Kumari on behalf of the Governor.

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