Chennai: Former Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun, a 1998-batch IPS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, has filed a civil defamation suit before the Madras High Court seeking damages of more than ₹1 crore from YouTuber and political commentator A. Shankar, popularly known as Savukku Shankar.
Arun has alleged that Shankar has repeatedly published content about him on social media that is defamatory and has sought compensation for the alleged damage to his reputation, professional standing and personal dignity.
Plea Seeks Removal of Videos and Posts
Along with monetary damages, Arun has sought directions to YouTube and X Corp to remove the videos, posts and tweets identified in his petition as defamatory.
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The reliefs sought include:
- Damages exceeding ₹1 crore
- Removal of the alleged defamatory videos, posts and tweets
- Directions restraining Shankar and persons acting on his behalf from publishing or circulating similar content
- An injunction against indirect references or allegations identifying Arun through his name, photograph, designation, initials or other descriptions
- Litigation costs
Arun has also sought interim protection against the continued publication and circulation of the disputed material while the case is pending.
Arun Alleges Repeated Social Media Attacks
In his petition, Arun has alleged that Shankar has repeatedly uploaded videos concerning him on YouTube and circulated related material on social media.
Arun has claimed that the material has caused alleged:
- Reputational harm
- Mental distress
- Professional damage
- Injury to his dignity and privacy
He has also denied the corruption and other allegations that he says have been made against him through the disputed content.
Previous Legal Dispute Between the Two
The latest defamation case comes after another legal dispute between Arun and Shankar.
In June 2026, Shankar had approached the Madras High Court seeking a CBI probe against Arun, then the DVAC chief, citing observations made by another High Court bench concerning a detention order issued when Arun was Chennai Police Commissioner.
The Madras High Court subsequently dismissed that PIL in July, stating that public-interest litigation could not be used to pursue personal grievances.
The present civil suit filed by Arun concerns the alleged defamatory social-media content and his claim for damages and removal of the disputed material.
Arun’s IPS Background
A. Arun is a 1998-batch IPS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre. Government records list him as a Tamil Nadu-cadre officer from the 1998 batch.
During his career, Arun has held several policing assignments, including positions as Superintendent of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Inspector General and Additional Director General of Police. He served as Commissioner of Greater Chennai Police in 2024 before subsequently holding other senior assignments.
He is currently associated with Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). Earlier in 2026, the Madras High Court dismissed a PIL filed by Savukku Shankar seeking a CBI investigation concerning Arun, holding that the PIL was not maintainable in the circumstances of that case.
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