The Madras High Court has quashed the detention order issued under the Goondas Act against Uma Shankar, who was arrested in connection with the alleged illegal online release of actor and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s upcoming film Jana Nayagan, as reported in ETV Bharat.
Vijay had announced Jana Nayagan as his final film after launching the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The film was scheduled for release on 9 January 2026, during the Pongal festival.
However, the film reportedly came under scrutiny over scenes relating to the military and alleged concerns regarding communal harmony. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) subsequently directed that the film be referred to a Re-Examination Committee.
While the matter was pending before the censor board pursuant to court directions, parts of the film were allegedly released illegally online on April 3.
Following a complaint by KVN Productions, the production company behind the film, the Cyber Crime Police registered a case against 21 people and arrested more than 10 persons in connection with the alleged leak.
Uma Shankar, who was arrested in the case, was subsequently detained under the Goondas Act. The Chennai Police Commissioner passed the detention order on July 30.
Sister Challenges Detention Order
Challenging the detention order, Uma Shankar’s sister, Renuka Devi, filed a habeas corpus petition before the Madras High Court.
The petition came up for hearing before a Bench comprising Justices N. Sathish Kumar and K. Rajasekar.
The police argued that Uma Shankar had played a key role in illegally releasing the film online before its scheduled release and that the Goondas Act detention order should therefore not be revoked.
Appearing for Uma Shankar, Renuka Devi’s counsel argued that he was employed as a manager at a prominent textile store in T. Nagar and was not involved in any film-related editing work.
The petitioner’s side further argued that the Police Commissioner had passed the preventive detention order mechanically and without proper application of mind.
Accepting the arguments, the High Court quashed the Goondas Act detention order against Uma Shankar in connection with the Jana Nayagan film leak case.
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