Release of documentary series on Lawrence Bishnoi postponed

Mumbai: In the entertainment world, the documentary series ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ based on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has become a topic of much discussion these days. This series was earlier scheduled to release on Zee5 on April 27, 2026, but due to the strict advisory of the Central Government and the court hearing, its release has now been postponed indefinitely.

‘There is nothing left in the petition now’

Lawrence Bishnoi himself had filed a petition in the Delhi High Court demanding a ban on the release of this series. On Monday, the bench of Justice Purushendra Kumar Kaurav completed the hearing of the case. The court clarified that now there is nothing left in the petition, because the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has already issued three advisories to Zee5, in which it has been advised not to release the series.

The court said that until this advisory is not cancelled, the producer or platform cannot release this documentary. Zee5 told the court that they are considering challenging these advisories of the Central Government.

cause of dispute

This documentary was based on the life of Lawrence Bishnoi, his crimes and the gangster culture in Punjab. Punjab Police and Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Waring accused it of glorifying crime. He said that such material can have a negative impact on the youth and there is a danger of law and order deteriorating in the state.

The central government also took this matter seriously. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, after investigation, advised Zee5 in writing not to release the series as it may contain factual errors and may romanticize organized crime. A PIL was also filed on this issue in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, after which the Center took action.

further situation

Zee5 told the court that they can challenge the advisory in the appropriate court. If they file a petition, the matter may come back to court. At present, the release of the series remains on hold. Lawrence Bishnoi’s petition was rejected, but the real fight may now be between the government advisory and Zee5.