Government’s strict action
Mumbai: The Government of India has taken strict action against the documentary series ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ which has created controversy in Punjab. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has banned this series. This information was given by the Central Government during the ongoing Public Interest Litigation in Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Will not be released on OTT platform
The documentary was based on the life of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and was scheduled to air on ZEE5 on 27 April 2026. But controversy arose even before its release. The Cyber Crime Wing of Punjab Police had written a letter to the Ministry demanding a ban on the series and its trailer.
Reason for ban on release
Police say that this series is glorifying criminals, which can have a negative impact on the youth and may threaten law and order in Punjab. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Waring also opposed this series and called it an insult to Punjab, Punjabis and Punjabiyat. He sent a legal notice to ZEE5 and filed a PIL in the High Court.
He said that Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang has killed many youth including Sidhu Moosewala. In such a situation, presenting their story in the form of a documentary can have a negative impact on the youth. The Central Government told the High Court that the Ministry has decided to ban the series after examining the facts. It is based on factual errors and content related concerns.
Government’s viewpoint
The government believes that such material can promote crime and spread wrong messages among the general public. This controversy also increased because Punjab Police had earlier also cited the old orders of the High Court. The court has earlier shown strictness on material like interviews inside the jail related to gangsters. The police had appealed to block the series under Section 69A of the IT Act.
The makers had earlier said that the series is not a crime story but an attempt to understand the system and circumstances, but the opposition grew so much that the government had to take action. It is not yet clear what steps ZEE5 or the makers will take after the ban, but from this decision of the Central Government, it is clear that the truth of the facts and social impact are being given priority.
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