Journalists Should Conduct Themselves With Dignity: Madras High Court Refuses Bail To YouTuber Felix Jerald In Savukku Shankar Case

Justice TV Thamilselvi agreed with the prosecution that by interviewing Shankar, Jerald had provided a platform to the latter, to make such objectionable statements. The judge also pointed out that being a journalist, Jerald was expected to behave in a dignified manner and he could have edited out the derogatory portions of the interview before making it public.

“Why didn't you edit the derogatory portions? Journalists should conduct themselves with some dignity. Are you conducting interviews only for personal gains and monetary considerations?,” the court asked while dismissing the plea.

Following the derogatory remarks, cases were registered under Sections 294 (b) and 506 (1) of the IPC read with Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act. He was later arrested by the Tiruchi police in May.

Jerald had previously approached the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail. While rejecting the plea, the court had remarked that Jerald should have been arrayed as the first accused as he prompted Shankar to make the derogatory statements and encouraged it, thus lowering the morale of the force. The court had also remarked that some youtube channels were becoming a menace to the society and the State should take efforts to regulate them.

He had filed the bail plea after the Coimbatore Judicial Magistrate denied him bail. In his plea, Gerald had submitted that he was only an interviewer and had not made the alleged derogatory remarks. He also stated that he would co-operate with the investigation and not tamper the evidences or abscond.

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Mad) 256

Case Title: Felix Jerald v State

Case No: CRL OP 14193 of 2024