Documentary on Asaram Bapu: SC grants interim police protection to Discovery India officials

The Supreme Court on Thursday granted interim police protection to Discovery India officials facing alleged threats in relation to their documentary on controversial godman Asaram Baapu—“Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu”.

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A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna ordered police authorities of seven states to ensure the protection of officials and properties of Discovery India after hearing a petition filed by channel alleging that senior staff based in different states faced threats.

The channel submitted that several hate comments against Discovery and persons associated with it were received on the social media accounts of the Broadcasters.

Issuing notice on the channel’s petition, the Bench posted the matter for further hearing in the week commencing March 3.

“In the meanwhile, we request the police authorities to ensure that the petitioner gets to use the office and no threats by way of physical harm are extended to the petitioners,” the top court ordered.

On behalf of the broadcasting channel, senior advocate Abhinav Mukherji told the Bench that it has become increasingly difficult for the petitioners to travel freely across the country.

It may not be possible for the petitioners to approach different High Courts where their staff may be posted and issued notice to the Central government and the authorities in Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, Haryana, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, the court noted.