The Madras High Court has directed the police department to respond to the petition submitted by journalist Felix Gerald, who is seeking anticipatory bail regarding the broadcast of an interview featuring ‘Savukku’ Shankar.
Justice K Kumaresh Babu of the Madras High Court expressed concern on 9 May 2024, that certain YouTube channels prioritize gaining subscribers over ethical content, potentially posing a threat to society. His remarks came during the hearing of an anticipatory bail petition by Felix Gerald of the RedPix YouTube channel. Gerald and ‘Savukku’ Shankar faced charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Woman Act of 1988.
The court learned that Gerald had facilitated derogatory remarks against women police personnel during an interview with Shankar. This led to a case being filed by the Coimbatore cyber crime cell, resulting in Shankar’s arrest. The police had summoned Felix for questioning who later moved an anticipatory bail to avoid arrest.
The judge criticized the nature of Gerald’s interview, suggesting he may have prompted or encouraged Shankar to make offensive statements. The judge questioned whether Gerald’s journalistic experience justified his actions, indicating that Gerald should have been treated as the primary offender in the case.
“Is this what you even call as an interview?” the judge asked saying that the petitioner Felix would have questioned Savukku on knowing well that he would answer it in a particular way, or he would have encouraged the interviewee make derogatory statements.
When considering allowing Gerald to appear for an inquiry without facing coercive measures, the judge was cautious, as it might indirectly grant anticipatory bail. As per the Additional Public Prosecutor’s request, the judge adjourned the hearing on Gerald’s bail petition for a week.
Some YouTube channels are turning out to be a menace to society. It is high time the Govt steps in and controls derogatory and objectionable content: Justice K Kumaresh Babu of #MadrasHighCourt @THChennaihttps://t.co/T7q6Rk6y1z
— Mohamed Imranullah S (@imranhindu) May 9, 2024
(With Inputs From The Hindu)
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