The release of Lawrence of Punjab on ZEE5 has been stopped after the Centre stepped in and asked the streaming platform not to air the series.
The update came during a hearing in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where the Centre informed the bench that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had already issued directions to ZEE5 to halt the release. After this submission, the court disposed of the petition linked to the matter.
The docuseries had sparked strong reactions in Punjab, with several political parties raising objections and demanding a ban. Concerns were also raised by Punjab Police, which reportedly wrote to the Centre seeking action against the show’s release.
The series is believed to be based on jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his alleged criminal network. Its release had become controversial over fears that it may glorify gangster culture at a time when Punjab is dealing with sensitive law-and-order issues.
Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring had earlier said he would move court to seek a ban on the show. He claimed the project was insensitive and hurtful to families affected by gang violence in the state.
Warring also referred to the killing of singer Sidhu Moosewala, saying Punjab should celebrate its real heroes and not criminals.
Directed by Raaghav Dhar, Lawrence of Punjab was earlier scheduled to premiere on ZEE5 on April 27. The platform has not yet announced any further update on its release.
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