SC Grants Interim Protection To Discovery Officials Over Threats For Documentary On Asaram Bapu

The Supreme Court has granted interim police protection to Discovery Communications India after the channel faced serious threats following the release of its documentary “Cult of Fear – Asaram Bapu.” After the documentary was aired on Discovery+, hate messages flooded social media, targeting the company and its officials.

Things escalated when a mob gathered outside Discovery’s Mumbai office on January 30, causing chaos. Despite police intervention, no action was taken against the perpetrators.

Senior Advocate Abhinav Mukherji, representing Discovery, told the Court that their employees feared for their safety, and threats of mass agitation had been received. He urged the Court to step in, citing a 2018 Supreme Court guideline on media protection.

A bench led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar issued notice to the concerned states and ordered: Ensure Discovery officials can access their office safely! Prevent any physical threats against them! The petition, filed under Article 32, named the Union Government and multiple states, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Haryana, seeking protection.

The documentary is based on public records, court orders, and witness testimonies, shedding light on Asaram Bapu, who is serving a life sentence for rape. The case now raises serious questions about press freedom and journalist safety in India.
Source: Live Law
By: Rajat Ranjan
Follow me on Instagram- @therajatranjan
Follow us on Instagram- @SadhanaSources