The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the States of Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, Haryana, Telangana and Tamil Nadu to provide protection to the officials and staff working at Discovery, who were allegedly facing threats after the release of the documentary series Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu.
The Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, Justice PV Sanjay Kumar and Justice KV Viswanathan directed the police departments in these seven states to ensure that the staff was able to work at their office without any fear of threat or physical harm.
The Bench further issued notice to the Union of India and the seven States on a petition filed by Discovery Communications India and its senior staff based in different states of the country.
The Apex Court noted that it may not be possible for the petitioners to approach different High Courts where their staff may be posted.
Senior Advocate Abhinav Mukerji, who appeared for the petitioners, cited a recent incident that took place outside Discovery’s Mumbai office. He said a group of 10-15 individuals gathered outside Discovery’s Mumbai office on January 30 and tried to gain unauthorised entry, creating a law and order situation.
Alleging that the Police failed to act in the incident, the Counsel said Discovery asked its Mumbai office employees not to come to work. He revealed that the media conglomerate also received a letter threatening of mass agitation.
The petitioners sought protection in light of threats and criminal intimidation from groups claiming to be supporters, fans, followers or devotees of Asaram Bapu, who is currently on interim medical bail in two rape cases.
The plea contended that the documentary series released by Discovery+ shed 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. The programme presented factual insights based on public records, witness testimonials and judicial records.
It further submitted that the petitioners, their colleagues and other similarly situated persons have been threatened with violence, hate crimes and criminal intimidation.
Senior Advocate Mukerji claimed that the petitioners and their colleagues continued to receive threats, forcing Discovery to mandate work-from-home arrangements for employee safety.
This led to a house arrest-like situation, adversely affecting the right of employees 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, he added.