Centre advises ZEE5 against releasing gangster-based documentary amid law and order concerns

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has advised OTT platform ZEE5 not to release a controversial documentary linked to gangster activities, citing serious concerns over public order and the potential glorification of crime.

The directive comes in connection with an ongoing Public Interest Litigation (CWP-PIL-107-2026) filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in the case of Amarinder Singh Raja Warring vs Union of India and others.

In an official communication dated April 24, 2026, the Ministry referred to its earlier advisory issued on October 27, 2025, which urged OTT platforms to exercise caution while publishing content related to criminals and gangsters.

A commentary on Punjab’s gang culture, where power, politics, and revenge fuel a cycle of violence, leaving behind fear, loss, and grief that never fades.#LawrenceOfPunjab premieres 27th April on #ZEE5 pic.twitter.com/zJ69tT4z3k

— ZEE5Official (@ZEE5India) April 23, 2026

According to inputs from Punjab Police, the documentary in question contains dramatised portrayals, real-life footage, and narrative elements that could glorify organized crime. Authorities warned that such content may negatively influence youth by normalizing criminal behaviour and could undermine ongoing efforts to curb gangsterism in the state.

The police further highlighted that, given the sensitive nature of gangster-related issues in Punjab, the release of such content could trigger public unrest and adversely impact law and order.

The advisory also draws attention to previous directions issued by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in related matters. In a 2023 suo motu case concerning alleged jail interviews of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, the court had ordered the immediate removal and blocking of such content across digital platforms, citing its potential to promote criminal activities and interfere with ongoing investigations and trials.

In a subsequent order dated January 28, 2026, the High Court reiterated its stance, directing authorities to identify and remove online content that glorifies crime and criminals.

“In view of the judicial directions and the potential threat to public order, ZEE5 is advised not to release the said content,” the ministry stated in its communication. The ministry emphasised that the advisory has been issued with the approval of the competent authority and urged the platform to take appropriate action.

The development underscores increasing scrutiny of OTT content in India, particularly material that may impact public sentiment or law enforcement efforts.

Meanwhile, Lawrence Bishnoi’s cousin Ramesh Bishnoi condemned the upcoming release of the docuseries ‘Lawrence of Punjab’, calling for an immediate ban on the series. He slammed director Raghav Darr for making the docuseries ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ without obtaining permission from the family or the government.

#WATCH | Fazilka, Punjab | On the web series ‘Lawrence of Punjab’, Lawrence Bishnoi’s cousin, Ramesh Bishnoi, says, “…Punjab is the land of Gurus. With whose permission has the director created this series? What does he aim to prove through it? The cases are still under trial… pic.twitter.com/qIepMslHNk

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

“Punjab is the land of Gurus. With whose permission has the director created this series? No permission from family or government. What does he aim to prove through it? The cases are still under trial in court. We object to the series, and it should be banned,” said Ramesh Bishnoi.

According to the press note by the makers, “Lawrence of Punjab traces the journey of a criminal identity through the lens of culture, systems, and visibility. From student politics and music to ideology and media amplification, the series pieces together how aspiration, power, and perception intersect to shape a new-age digital syndicate. With Lawrence Bishnoi as a key case study within this ecosystem, the narrative expands beyond the individual to examine the larger cultural and social context, focusing on consequences”. (ANI)