Tamil Nadu Govt Revokes Preventive Detention Order Against YouTuber Savukku Shankar

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday revoked the preventive detention order issued against YouTuber and activist A. Shankar, popularly known as Savukku Shankar, under the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act, 1982, with immediate effect.

According to a government order issued by the home, prohibition and excise department, the advisory board constituted under the Act found “no sufficient cause” for continuing the detention of Mr Shankar. The order stated that the grounds of detention and connected records were placed before the Board, which also heard the oral representation made by the detenu.

Following the Board’s unanimous opinion, the government revoked the detention order that had been issued by the Greater Chennai Police Commissioner on April 9. The order directed prison authorities to release Mr Shankar immediately unless he was required in connection with any other case or sentence imposed by a court.

The government order, dated May 19, 2026, was issued by deputy secretary to government P. Kumari. Copies of the order were sent to the commissioner of police, Greater Chennai, the Central Prison in Puzhal, the director-general of police and other authorities concerned.

Mr Shankar, aged 50, had been detained under the Goondas Act following multiple criminal cases registered against him.