Docuseries Drama: 'Lawrence of Punjab' Faces Legal Hurdles

The Delhi High Court concluded proceedings on Lawrence Bishnoi's petition against the release of 'Lawrence of Punjab' on ZEE5, as the OTT platform was advised by the Centre not to release it. The docuseries is under scrutiny for potentially glorifying organized crime, sparking public order concerns.

The Delhi High Court has ended the proceedings of a petition filed by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi against the release of the docuseries 'Lawrence of Punjab' on ZEE5. The decision follows the Centre's advisory recommending the over-the-top platform to withhold its release, as it allegedly glorifies criminal activity.

According to Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, the makers cannot release the series unless the advisories from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are overturned. Despite concerns that the docuseries might still surface in a different form, Justice Kaurav assured that appropriate legal actions could be pursued if necessary.

The senior counsel for ZEE5 stated that the advisories, issued by the Centre, are being contested in the Punjab and Haryana High Court over jurisdictional issues, citing Punjab Police inputs as the basis for the advisory. The show covers the life of Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious figure with close ties to organized crime, and raises concerns about its potential impact on public safety and order.