Chandigarh, April 24: The central government has moved to prevent the release of the web series “Lawrence of Punjab” on the ZEE5 platform, citing the risk of disturbing public tranquility. In an official communication, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting declared that the proposed release could potentially incite violence and jeopardize law and order, particularly in the border state of Punjab.
The ministry’s advisory was issued in the context of ongoing proceedings before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. A legal challenge brought by Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring argued for a stay on the release, maintaining that the documentary series romanticizes the life of Lawrence Bishnoi. The court had previously issued directions intended to curb the glorification of crime in popular media.
Law enforcement agencies in Punjab had earlier urged the Union Government to intervene, stating that the series might serve to validate criminal networks. The ministry’s letter, dated April 24, affirmed that the content had the potential to incite illegal acts. It advised the streaming service to refrain from making the series available to the public, citing a letter from the previous day and an advisory issued in late 2025.
As the premiere date of April 27 approached, political leaders and police officials emphasized the need to protect young viewers from content that frames organized crime in a heroic light. The ministry stated that the directive was issued to ensure that media content does not prejudice public order. The matter remains under judicial consideration as the court evaluates the impact of such portrayals on society.
