SC orders protection to Discovery offices after threats over documentary on Asaram

The Supreme Court on Thursday (February 6, 2025) granted interim police protection to the officials of Discovery Communications India on a plea alleging threats by followers of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu following the release of the documentary series “Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu”.

A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar issued notice to the Centre and Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal and Delhi governments while directing them to ensure protection to petitioners Shashank Walia and others besides their offices.

“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,” it said.