Chennai: The Chennai High Court has stated that social media should not be banned, as it serves as a tool to understand public grievances. The court made this observation while hearing a case filed by the mother of YouTuber Savukku Shankar, challenging the invocation of the Goondas Act against him.

During the proceedings, the High Court emphasized the necessity of introducing regulatory frameworks for social media rather than banning it. The judges remarked that while it is essential to regulate social media, attempting to shut it down is not the right approach.

The court further noted that since the advent of social media, there has been a significant increase in discussions regarding government actions, which is a healthy development. “Social media platforms have become a means for understanding the concerns of the public, and therefore, they should not be banned. As we celebrate the 77th Independence Day, do we want to suppress the voice of the people again?” the judges questioned.

The court’s comments highlight the importance of social media as a platform for public discourse and its role in enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.