In a decisive move, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed the provision of interim police protection to Discovery Communications India’s officials, responding to threats from followers of Asaram Bapu after the airing of “Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu.” Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar also issued notices to the central government and the state governments of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal, and Delhi, mandating them to ensure the safety of the petitioners and their office premises.
The bench’s intervention came after a plea was presented by senior advocate Abhinav Mukerji, detailing the security challenges faced by Discovery’s personnel following the documentary’s release. Mukerji highlighted incidents of intimidation and restricted freedom of movement for the company’s staff due to ongoing threats from the controversial guru’s followers.
The situation escalated when, on January 30, 2025, a mob attempted to forcefully enter Discovery’s Mumbai office. Although the police managed to disperse the crowd, the plea emphasized that no significant legal actions were taken against the culprits. This incident underscored the urgent need for judicial intervention to safeguard the fundamental rights of the affected individuals, as articulated under Articles 14, 19(1)(a), 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution.
The court’s order aims to ensure that Discovery Communications can continue its operations without fear of violence or harassment. The directive for police protection reflects the judiciary’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of entities and individuals engaged in the lawful exercise of freedom of expression and business.
