CHENNAI: The State government should take departmental action against police officers who invoke the Goondas Act with mala fide intent, directed the Madras High Court, and granted interim bail to a YouTuber who was arrested for allegedly using abusive words against a woman.

Based on a complaint filed by one Ameenal Beve alleging that controversial YouTuber Varaaki refused to vacate a rented house and abused her in obscene language, a case was registered against him. Later, he was detained under the Goondas Act.

Challenging this order, Varaaki's wife Neelima filed a habeas corpus petition, which came up for hearing before the bench comprising Justices SM Subramaniam and P Dhanabal. Her counsel argued that he was detained under the Goondas Act only because he had expressed views critical of the police department.

The State government advocate requested that time be granted to file a detailed counter to the petition.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the judges noted that Varaaki had been detained under the Goondas Act for expressing dissenting opinions against government departments and officials, and granted him interim bail for three months.

The judges then directed the Home Secretary to initiate departmental disciplinary action against police officers who mechanically and deliberately issue detention orders under the Goondas Act. The court also directed the police department to file its counter-affidavit within 12 weeks and adjourned the hearing.