The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered police authorities of at least seven states to ensure protection for various officials of Discovery who are allegedly facing threats after the release of the documentary series Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu..A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan passed the order on a petition moved by Discovery Communications India and its senior staff based in different states across India.The Court observed that it may not be possible for the petitioners to approach different High Courts where their staff may be posted. It thus issued notice to the Central government and the authorities in Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, Haryana, Telangana and Tamil Nadu."In the meanwhile, we request the police authorities to ensure ...that the rights to use the office ...and no threats, by way of physical harm, are extended to the petitioners," the Court ordered..Senior Advocate Abhinav Mukerji, representing the petitioners, submitted that the police have failed to act, and after a recent incident at its Mumbai office, Discovery asked its employees not to come to work. "We have also got a letter now threatening a mass agitation," the top court was told. .The plea before the top court said that protection was being sought in light of threats and criminal intimidation from groups claiming to be "supporters/ fans/followers/devotees" of Asaram Bapu,Asaram is currently on interim medical bail in two rape cases. The series released by Discovery+ is regarding his life."The series 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 said in the plea..It has also been submitted that petitioners, their colleagues and other similarly situated persons have been threatened with violence, hate crimes and criminal intimidation.A group of 10-15 individuals had gathered outside Discovery's office on January 30, attempting unauthorised entry and creating a law and order situation, the plea states."The petitioners and their 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."
