Delhi High Court Halts Release of Controversial Docuseries 'Lawrence of Punjab'

The Delhi High Court has put a stop to the release of the docuseries 'Lawrence of Punjab' on ZEE5, following advisories from the Centre that raised concerns over public safety. The court noted that the advisories must be lifted before any release can occur. The series, which explores the life of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been criticized for potentially glorifying criminal behavior. With Bishnoi currently imprisoned and facing multiple charges, including the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala, the court's decision reflects ongoing tensions between media representation and public order. The creators of the docuseries argue it provides a cultural perspective on crime and its influences.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 27, 2026, 12:28 IST

Court Decision on Lawrence Bishnoi's Petition

New Delhi: On Monday, the Delhi High Court concluded the proceedings regarding gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's petition against the release of the docuseries Lawrence of Punjab on ZEE5, noting that the matter was moot following the Centre's recommendation to the platform to withhold the series.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav remarked that the docuseries could not be released unless the advisories from the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting were overturned.

Despite concerns raised by the petitioner's lawyer about the possibility of the series being released under a different guise, such as altering character names, Justice Kaurav indicated that legal recourse could be pursued at that point.

"If they proceed with any changes, you can return to court. For now, they cannot release it unless the advisories are lifted," the judge stated.

The senior counsel representing the OTT platform mentioned that they are contesting the Centre's advisories issued on April 23 and 24 in a court with appropriate jurisdiction, asserting that the current petition was not valid due to lack of territorial authority.

"We are challenging the advisories in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, as they are based on inputs from the Punjab Police," the lawyer explained.

He further argued that the petition was rendered irrelevant due to the Centre's actions.

The court concluded that the issues raised in the writ petition had become irrelevant, stating that the advisories indicated that the docuseries would likely not be released. The court allowed the petitioner to take further legal steps regarding the advisories, while leaving all arguments open, and subsequently dismissed the petition.

The creators of the docuseries claim it explores the evolution of a criminal persona through cultural, systemic, and visibility perspectives, using Bishnoi as a case study within the realms of student politics, music, ideology, and media influence.

Currently incarcerated in a Gujarat prison, Bishnoi, 33, faces numerous criminal charges and is a key suspect in the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala.

Previously, the Punjab Police had contacted the Centre, requesting that ZEE5 be instructed not to air the docuseries, citing potential threats to public safety.

In a letter to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's joint secretary, the Punjab Police's cybercrime division warned that such content could entice youth towards criminal behavior.

On April 24, the Centre advised ZEE5 against releasing Lawrence of Punjab.

The Centre urged OTT platforms to exercise caution and discretion regarding the release of films or web series, including biopics and documentaries about gangsters and criminals, which could incite violence or disrupt public order.

It highlighted that the Punjab Police had indicated the content includes dramatized portrayals, real-life footage, and narrative elements that glorify organized crime and criminal figures.