New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday (February 6) ordered several state police to ensure that the officials of Discovery Communications India are protected from alleged threats by followers of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu following the release of the documentary series “Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu”.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna granted the interim protection while hearing a plea filed by Discovery Communications India officials.
Apex court issued notice to Centre, several states
The apex court, while directing the police of several states to ensure protection to petitioners Shashank Walia and others besides their offices, issued notice to the Centre and state governments of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal and Delhi.
“Issue notice returnable in the week commencing March 3, 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 bench said.
The counsel representing the petitioners told the apex court bench that Discovery Communications India officials faced threats from Asaram’s followers and it was difficult for officials to move freely in the country.
‘Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu’ sheds light on Asaram Bapu’s life
“The series (Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu) 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,” Discovery India has said in the plea.
What has the plea said?
The plea has further said that 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 has said that a mob gathered outside the Mumbai office of Discovery on January 30 and attempted unauthorised entry and thus, created law and order situation and that the petitioners and other 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,” the plea said.
Asaram is currently on interim bail on medical grounds
Asaram has been convicted and awarded life sentence in two rape cases and currently he is on interim bail on medical grounds in both cases. While a Jodhpur POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court sentenced Asaram to imprisonment for remainder of his natural life in a minor’s rape case, a Gandhinagar trial court convicted and sentenced him to life imprisonment in a separate rape case.
