Court Orders Protection to 'Discovery' Amid Threats Over Asaram Documentary

Photo: PTI

The Supreme Court of India, on Thursday, granted temporary police protection to Discovery Communications India officials after they reportedly faced threats from followers of Asaram Bapu. These threats emerged following the release of the documentary series titled Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu.

A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justice Sanjay Kumar, issued notices to the Central Government and state governments of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal, and Delhi. The court directed these authorities to provide adequate protection to the petitioners, including Discovery's official Shashank Walia and his team. The bench instructed authorities to ensure their safety and allow them to work without fear.

The court's order stated, “We issue notice returnable in the week commencing March 3, 2025. Until then, police authorities must ensure the petitioners can access their office safely without threats of physical harm.”

Senior advocate Abhinav Mukerji, representing the petitioners, highlighted that Discovery officials were finding it difficult to travel freely across the country due to the dangers posed by Asaram's followers. According to the plea, a mob gathered outside Discovery's Mumbai office on January 30, 2025, attempting an unauthorized entry. Although the police dispersed the crowd, no action was taken against those involved.

The plea further stated that Asaram's supporters have issued threats of violence and intimidation since the documentary's release. These acts, according to the petitioners, violate fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19(1)(a) and (g), and 21 of the Indian Constitution.

For the safety of its employees, Discovery Communications India was compelled to implement a mandatory work-from-home policy. The company said its officials and other workers were continuing to receive threats, which made normal operations unsafe.

The documentary in question highlights controversies surrounding self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who has been at the center of numerous legal cases and accusations over the years.

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