Some Youtube Channels Have Become A Menace To Society, State Should Regulate Them: Madras High Court

Justice Kumaresh Babu made the oral remarks in a plea filed by Youtuber Felix Gerald. Gerald was booked by the Coimbatore police in connection with his interview of YouTuber and whistle blower Savukku Shankar wherein the latter made derogatory remarks about women police officers.

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. Apprehending arrest, Gerald had approached the court seeking anticipatory bail.

The state opposed the bail plea and argued that Gerald had facilitated the derogatory statements by interviewing Shankar and putting across questions knowing that the same would lead to derogatory remarks. The state also informed that Gerald had not appeared before the investigating officer even after receiving a summons and was thus not cooperating with the inquiry.

The judge remarked that Gerald 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 judge also remarked that some Youtube channels were becoming a menace to the society and should be regulated.

The court then adjourned the case for a week.

Case Title: G Felix Gerald v State

Case No: CRL OP 11651 of 2024