SC Directs Police Authorities To Protect Discovery India Officials Facing Threats Concerning The Release Of Documentary, ‘Cult of Fear-Asaram Bapu’, On Asaram Bapu

Today (February 06, 2025), the Supreme Court (SC) of India was hearing the plea filed by Discovery Communication India and its top officials stating that after the release of the show titled ‘Cult of Fear-Asaram Bapu’, it received various hate comments against Discovery and persons associated with it on the social media accounts of the Broadcasters. The SC bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, Justice KV Viswanathan, and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar directed police authorities of at least 7 states to ensure protection for various officials and property of Discovery Communication India facing threats concerning the documentary on self-styled godman Asaram Bapu. It directed, “Issue notice returnable in the week commencing 3rd 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.” While passing the order, the SC bench opined that it may be difficult for the petitioners to approach different High Courts where their staff may be posted; therefore, the top court issued a notice to the Union and the authorities in Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, Haryana, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Abhinav Mukherji, who appeared for the petitioner, submitted that it has become difficult for the petitioners to move freely across the country. He said, “The police have done nothing, we went home, and asked employees not to come to work. We also got a letter now threatening us of a mass agitation. There is a 2018 guideline that lordships have laid down.” The plea said, “The series sheds light on the life of Asaram Bapu, a self-proclaimed spiritual leader currently serving a life sentence for crimes including rape and murder since 2018. It presents factual insights based on public records, witness testimonials and judicial records.” The petitioner also added that persons related have been threatened with violence, criminal intimidation, and hate crimes. The plea reads, “The petitioners and their colleagues continue to receive threats, forcing Discovery to mandate work-from-home arrangements for employee safety. This has created a house arrest situation, adversely affecting their right to life and liberty. Hate comments and threats have also been directed at Discovery and its employees on social media platforms further exacerbating the situation.”

After considering the seriousness of the issue, the SC bench granted interim protection to the officials of Discovery Communications India to ensure that no physical harm is extended.