Punjab Police seek ban on ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ documentary ahead of OTT release

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab police have formally urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to block public access to an upcoming documentary series titled ‘Lawrence of Punjab’, scheduled for an April 27 release on OTT platform ZEE5.

In an official communication sent by Special Director General of Police (Cyber Crime), V Neeraja, the state police raised serious concerns over the content of the documentary, which reportedly chronicles the life and criminal trajectory of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The series is said to include dramatised portrayals and real-life references to high-profile crimes, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala and other violent incidents.

Everyone’s talking about the trailer, now get ready for the series.#LawrenceofPunjab, premieres 27th April on #ZEE5. pic.twitter.com/sbToU1385u

— ZEE5Official (@ZEE5India) April 20, 2026

According to the letter, authorities fear that the documentary may “glorify and simplify organised crime,” potentially influencing young audiences by normalising or romanticising criminal activities. The police also warned that such content could undermine ongoing law enforcement efforts and disturb public order in the state.

The request has been made under Section 69A(1) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, along with relevant provisions of the IT (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009. The Punjab Police have specifically asked for directions to ZEE5 to refrain from streaming the documentary and to remove access to its trailer globally.

The communication further cites previous observations by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which had taken suo motu cognisance of interviews of Lawrence Bishnoi allegedly recorded inside jail premises. The court had noted that such content could promote criminal activity and adversely impact ongoing trials, directing authorities to remove similar material from digital platforms.

Officials highlighted that internet-based content has a far wider reach and greater impact due to its audio-visual nature, making it more accessible and influential, especially among impressionable viewers. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of crime-based content on digital platforms, particularly those perceived to sensationalise or glorify criminal figures. The Ministry is yet to respond to the request.

Earlier, Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also sought a ban on Zee5’s web series ‘ Lawrence of Punjab’. Amarinder has filed Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking a ban on the release of the upcoming OTT project, which is based on the life of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

The petition alleged that the series misrepresents the life of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is involved in illegal activities, and could have a negative influence on young people. It also highlights the lack of pre-certification for OTT content and calls for stricter regulatory guidelines. The case is scheduled for a hearing on April 24, 2026, while the series is set to be released on April 27, 2026.

Earlier, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring wrote a letter to ZEE5’s Grievance Officer, seeking the immediate suspension or deferment of the release of the web series. In his letter addressed to Akshaya Joshi, Grievance Officer, ZEE5, Warring called for immediate suspension and deferring the release of ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ web series pending a lawful review.

“I am constrained to submit the present complaint raising serious legal and constitutional concerns regarding the proposed release of the web series titled ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ on your platform. It has come to my knowledge from promotional material and credible public sources that the said series is purportedly based on the life and activities of a notorious gangster, Lawrence Bishoni, involved in organised criminal networks, against whom multiple serious criminal proceedings are pending before competent courts,” the letter said.

He said the platform’s description of the series itself shows that “it would be glorifying a criminal and a gangster, which would amount to direct promotion of unlawful activities,” adding that such content could “romanticise and legitimise criminal conduct” and create “aspirational value around criminality.”

“The description of the web series itself shows that it would be glorifying the life of a gangster, which would amount to the promotion of unlawful activities. The subject matter of the series is therefore not fictional in abstraction, but relates to a real individual associated with ongoing criminality, thereby attracting heightened legal scrutiny,” the letter said. “The web series, therefore, would be glorifying a criminal and a gangster, which would amount to direct promotion of unlawful activity,” it added.

Interestingly, ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ reminded many moviegoers of the ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ film because of its similar title. The landmark classic, nominated for ten Oscars, revolves around the enigmatic TE Lawrence, a British intelligence officer stationed in Cairo, who helped the Arab forces in their campaign to overthrow the Ottoman Empire.

Notably, a Hollywood movie, Lawrence of Arabia, released in 1962, depicts a sweeping biographical epic directed by David Lean that chronicles the life of British officer T Lawrence during the Arab Revolt of 1916-1918. Widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, it is celebrated for its stunning 70mm cinematography, Peter O’Toole’s breakout performance, and Maurice Jarre’s iconic score. (ANI)