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Synopsis

The Madras High Court on July 31, 2024, granted bail to G Felix Jerald of the RedPix YouTube channel in a case over an interview with 'Savukku' Shankar, during which Shankar made derogatory remarks about women police officers. In this case, Jerald was arrested by the Cyber Crime police in Coimbatore.

In granting relief to Jerald, the bench of Justice TV Thamilselvi considered that the police had filed the final report, which had been accepted, and that the co-accused had already been released on bail.

The court ordered Jerald to be released on bail upon executing a bond for Rs. 10,000 with two sureties. Several conditions were imposed on Jerald, including the closure of his YouTube channel "RED PIX 24 X 7" and the filing of an affidavit before the trial court, undertaking not to engage in similar activities in the future. Additionally, Jerald is prohibited from giving any interviews about this case until the trial is concluded.

In May this year, Jerald was arrested and remanded to judicial custody for offences under Sections 294 (b), 353, 509 IPC, Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 2002, and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

In the present case, during an interview with Jerald, 'Savukku' Shankar made derogatory remarks about the character of female police officers, alleging that they compromised their modesty under pressure from higher officials to gain personal benefits and postings.

Opposing Jerald's bail petition, the government advocate apprised the court that in 2022, another case was filed against Jerald following an interview with one Geetha, who claimed to be an Advocate, Industrialist, and Educationalist. In that interview, she made highly derogatory and defamatory allegations against politicians, retired judges, sitting judges, and members of the legal profession. In that case, Jerald sought anticipatory bail from the high court, which was granted based on his assurance that he would not engage in such controversial activities again. However, Jerald breached this condition and continued to engage in similar activities, the government advocate argued. 

However, Jerald's counsel contended that he had only broadcasted the interview with 'Savukku' Shankar and he never had any intention to lower the image and dignity of the women police officers or the women in society. 

After considering arguments from both sides, court decided to allow bail to Jerald in the case currently pending before the Judicial Magistrate in Coimbatore.

In June this year, the same bench had denied bail to Jerald in the case registered by the Trichy Cyber Crime Police. It is to be noted that numerous complaints were filed against both Shankar and Gerald across the state after the abovementioned interview aired.

Case Title: Felix Jerald v. State