Chennai: The Madras High Court has issued notice to YouTuber A. Shankar, popularly known as Savukku Shankar, in a civil defamation suit filed by A. Arun, a 1998-batch IPS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre. Arun has accused the YouTuber of publishing allegedly defamatory content against him.
Justice K. Govindarajan Thilakavadi issued notices to Shankar as well as Google, YouTube and X Corp in the matter. Arun has sought damages of ₹1,00,05,000, alleging that the disputed content has adversely affected his reputation, professional standing and personal dignity.
Arun Alleges False Claims Were Presented as Inside Information
In his petition, Arun has alleged that Shankar presents unverified or false claims as factual information for financial gain.
According to the officer’s allegations, the YouTuber seeks to create an impression among viewers that he has access to confidential, authentic and insider information concerning senior police officers, politicians, public servants, businessmen and corporate entities.
Arun has further alleged that such content is disseminated through Shankar’s YouTube channel and social media platforms, causing what he claims to be significant reputational and professional harm.
Seeks Restraint on Further Publication
Arun has asked the High Court to restrain Shankar, his agents, followers and others acting on his behalf from publishing, reposting, circulating or transmitting content containing defamatory allegations concerning him.
The reliefs sought by Arun include:
- ₹1,00,05,000 in damages for alleged reputational and professional harm, mental distress, and violation of his dignity and privacy.
- Removal of the allegedly defamatory material from YouTube and X.
- An injunction restraining the further publication or circulation of similar allegations.
- Directions covering content that identifies Arun through his name, photograph, designation or other descriptions.
Case Follows Earlier Dispute Between Arun and Shankar
The latest suit comes amid an earlier legal dispute between the IPS officer and Shankar.
Earlier in 2026, Shankar had approached the Madras High Court seeking a CBI probe into allegations concerning Arun’s actions as a senior police officer. The court dismissed that plea, observing that a public-interest litigation could not be used to pursue what it viewed as personal grievances.
The present case, A. Arun IPS v. A. Shankar @ Savukku Shankar and Others (CS 195 of 2026), concerns the allegedly defamatory material published against Arun and his claim for damages and injunctive relief.
No Finding Yet on Defamation Claims
The High Court’s issuance of notice does not amount to a finding that the allegations made by Shankar were defamatory or false. Arun’s allegations form part of the pleadings in the civil suit, and the matter remains pending before the court.
