Asaram docu: SC orders protection for Discovery offices after threats

The Supreme Court on Thursday granted interim police protection to the officials of Discovery Communications India on a plea alleging threats by followers of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu following the release of the documentary series Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu.

A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar issued notice to the Centre and Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal and Delhi governments while directing them to ensure protection to petitioners Shashank Walia and others, besides their offices.

"Issue notice returnable in the week commencing 3 March, 2025. In the meanwhile, we request the police authorities to ensure that the petitioner gets to use the office and no threats of physical harm are extended to the petitioners," it said.

Appearing for the petitioners, senior advocate Abhinav Mukerji submitted that the officials of Discovery Communications India faced threats from the followers of Asaram and it was difficult for them to travel freely in the country.

The plea filed before the top court also submitted that on 30 January 2025, a mob gathered outside Discovery's Mumbai office and attempted an unauthorised entry. The petition said though the police dispersed the crowd, no action was taken against the perpetrators.

"Following the release, self-proclaimed supporters/ fans/ followers/devotees of Asaram Bapu have threatened the petitioners and their colleagues and other similarly situated persons with violence, hate crimes and criminal intimidation, violating their fundamental rights as enshrined under Articles 14, 19(l)(a) and (g), and 21 of the Constitution," the plea stated.

The plea also said the petitioners and their colleagues continue to receive threats, forcing Discovery to mandate work-from-home arrangements for employee safety.