New Delhi: The release of ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ has had to be postponed on the Central government’s advice.
The docuseries was scheduled to start streaming on ZEE5 from April 27, but the Information and Broadcasting (I & B) ministry issued a directive to withhold its release.
The communication was shared in court on Friday. Zee5 is expected to comply with the direction.
“Based on the information received from various agencies, the Government of India has advised Zee5 not to telecast this series. Zee5 is expected to follow this advice,” Additional Solicitor General Satyapal Jain told ThePrint.
Directed by Raaghav Dar, ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ traces the evolution of a criminal identity, presenting gangster Lawrence Bishnoi as a case study.
The 33-year-old Bishnoi, currently lodged in a Gujarat jail, is an accused in the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala.
The show came under legal scrutiny over its potential to disturb public order and influence impressionable viewers, as the content reportedly glorifies the gangster.
The I & B Ministry’s advisory stated that digital platforms must exercise “due caution and discretion” while producing biopics or documentaries on criminals, especially those that could incite violence.
It cited Punjab Police inputs, warning that the series uses dramatised portrayals and real-life footage that could amplify the image of organised crime and “vitiate the law and order situation.”
Punjab Police had petitioned the I & B Ministry to block the documentary series.
Special director general of police (cyber crime) V Neeraja invoked Section 69A(1) of the Information Technology Act, urging the government to halt the streaming and remove the trailer globally.
