Row over ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ OTT series; state seeks ban over glorification fears

Punjab police have formally requested the Centre to block the release of the upcoming OTT documentary series Lawrence of Punjab, citing serious concerns over its potential impact on public order and youth in the state.

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In a letter to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Special DGP (Cyber Crime) V Neeraja invoked provisions under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, seeking immediate intervention. The series, scheduled to stream on ZEE5 on April 27, chronicles the life and criminal trajectory of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

Risk of gangster glorification

Authorities believe the documentary’s narrative, featuring dramatised elements along with real footage, could end up glamorising organised crime. Of particular concern are references to high-profile incidents, including the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Officials fear such portrayals may inadvertently generate a sense of fascination around criminal figures, especially among impressionable viewers.

Punjab police have flagged multiple risks associated with the series’ release, including the potential to influence youth behaviour, undermine ongoing law enforcement efforts, and trigger law and order issues. The communication stresses that content centred on gangsters is especially sensitive in Punjab, where the legacy and influence of organised crime continue to pose a serious challenge.

The state has also pointed to earlier observations made by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which has taken a strict stance on content perceived to promote or sensationalise criminal activity. In previous rulings, the court directed the removal of certain interviews and online material associated with Bishnoi, noting that such content could interfere with judicial processes, including ongoing trials and witness testimonies.

Reiterating its concerns, Punjab police have urged the Centre to not only stop the series’ release but also block its trailer from being accessed globally. The move underscores broader unease over how crime is portrayed on digital platforms and its potential real-world impact.

Punjab Congress chief writes to PM

Earlier, Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a ban on the docu-series, which he said, risks glorifying gangster culture and portraying a criminal as a figure of influence.

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Warring has been opposing the series, claiming that it would glorify gangster culture. In his letter to PM Modi, Warring said the series is based on the life of the dreaded and notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. “The movie/series aims to glorify someone who has been involved in so many gruesome crimes, including the brutal murder of popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala,” he said, arguing that such portrayal could have a “dangerous and disastrous” impact on impressionable youth.

He stressed that Punjab, a land of “Gurus and Pirs” with a rich cultural legacy, should not be associated with a gangster. “Identifying Punjab with a criminal like Lawrence Bishnoi is an insult to Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat,” he said, urging immediate intervention to stop the series.

PIL in Punjab and Haryana HC

Warring has also filed a public interest litigation in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking a stay on the show, citing broader public interest and the state’s socio-criminal environment.

The series, set to release on April 27, is described by its makers as a study of a criminal identity within the ecosystem of student politics, music, and media.

Bishnoi, currently in a Gujarat jail, faces multiple cases and is a key accused in the Moosewala murder. He has also been named by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in several high-profile cases.