The Centre has directed ZEE5 to withhold the release of its upcoming docuseries Lawrence of Punjab, citing concerns that the content may glorify gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and impact public order. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory against the April 27 premiere following legal scrutiny and inputs from law enforcement agencies.
The development has followed proceedings in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where the Ministry has submitted its communication to the platform, as per media reports. This has led Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring to withdraw his public interest litigation seeking a stay on the series. He has stated that Punjab’s identity should not be associated with gangster culture and has written to Narendra Modi seeking intervention.
The Ministry’s advisory has stated that digital platforms must exercise caution while producing or releasing content based on criminals, particularly where such portrayals may incite violence or influence impressionable audiences. It has acknowledged inputs from Punjab Police, which have raised concerns that the docuseries uses dramatised narratives and real-life footage that could amplify organised crime and undermine ongoing policing efforts.
Highlighting the development, the Director General of Punjab Police has posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Punjab Police is Committed to maintaining peace, public order, and social harmony in the State. The Spl. DGP Cyber Crime took up the matter with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MoIB) on 22.04.2026, seeking a restraint on the screening of “Lawrence of Punjab” under section 69 of the Information Technology Act. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ( MoIB) has issued an Advisory to the ZEE5 directing them not to release the content on its OTT platform. We thank the MoIB, Government of India for its prompt intervention and support in ensuring responsible content dissemination and safeguarding the social fabric of the State.”
Punjab Police is Committed to maintaining peace, public order, and social harmony in the State. The Spl. DGP Cyber Crime took up the matter with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MoIB) on 22.04.2026, seeking a restraint on the screening of “Lawrence of Punjab” under…
— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) April 24, 2026
Authorities have further noted that such portrayals risk disturbing law and order and may contribute to the normalisation of criminal activity. The advisory has also referenced judicial directions requiring the removal of content promoting “gangster culture” and has highlighted a “reasonable apprehension” of increased tensions if the series is released.
By issuing the advisory, the Ministry has aligned with prior court directives aimed at preventing the glorification of crime through mass media and safeguarding social harmony.
