SC Grants Interim Police Protection to Discovery Officials Over Asaram Bapu Documentary Threats

On February 6th, the Supreme Court granted interim police protection to the officials and property of Discovery Communications India in response to threats arising from the broadcast of a documentary on self-styled godman Asaram Bapu.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, was hearing a plea filed by senior officials of Discovery India. The petition highlighted that following the release of the documentary titled Cult of Fear – Asaram Bapu, the broadcasting company and individuals associated with it had been subjected to a surge of hate comments and threats across various social media platforms. The officials expressed concerns over their safety and the security of Discovery’s property, prompting the court to intervene with protective measures.

Sr. Advocate Abhinav Mukherji representing the petitioners submitted that it has become increasingly difficult for the petitioners to travel freely across the country. Mukherji argued :

“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 bench in its order 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”

The petition was filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeking the intervention of the Supreme Court to ensure the safety of Discovery Communications India’s officials and property. The plea named the Union Government, represented through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), as well as the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, Haryana, and Telangana, along with their respective Directors General of Police (DGPs) and other law enforcement authorities. The petition underscored the urgent need for security measures in light of escalating threats and hostile reactions following the release of the documentary.

The petitioners asserted that the documentary on Asaram Bapu, who is currently serving a life sentence in multiple rape cases, was produced based entirely on publicly available records, court verdicts, and witness testimonies. They emphasized that the content was factual and sourced from official documents. However, following its release on the OTT platform Discovery+, the petitioners reported receiving multiple threats, including online abuse and intimidation.

Additionally, the plea highlighted a specific incident that occurred on January 30, when a mob gathered outside Discovery’s Mumbai office, causing significant disruption and creating a hostile environment. Although law enforcement authorities eventually intervened and dispersed the crowd, the petitioners pointed out that no concrete action was taken against those responsible for the disturbance, further escalating their concerns over safety and security.