‘Lawrence of Punjab’ Faces Ban Demand Ahead of OTT Release

New Delhi- The upcoming docuseries Lawrence of Punjab has sparked controversy days before its scheduled release, with Punjab Police formally urging the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to block its streaming on OTT platform ZEE5.

In an official request, senior police officials cited provisions under the Information Technology Act, seeking the removal of the series and its promotional content. Authorities argue that the show, based on jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, could unintentionally glamorise criminal activities and influence impressionable audiences.

Police have expressed concerns that dramatized storytelling and real-life references—especially those linked to high-profile crimes like the killing of Sidhu Moose Wala—might disrupt public order and interfere with ongoing legal proceedings. Officials believe the wide reach of digital platforms makes such content particularly sensitive.

Adding to the pressure, Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding immediate intervention. He described the series as harmful to Punjab’s image and argued that associating the state with a criminal figure undermines its cultural and historical legacy.

Warring also highlighted that Punjab should be represented by its heroes and contributions, rather than narratives centred on crime. He warned that such portrayals could mislead young viewers and normalize violence.

Meanwhile, ZEE5 and the production house behind the series have defended the project, stating that it is intended as an analytical exploration rather than a glorification of an individual. According to the makers, the docuseries aims to examine the broader environment that contributes to the rise of organised crime, including social and institutional factors.

Despite these clarifications, opposition to the series continues to grow, with calls for stricter regulation of OTT content that deals with sensitive real-life subjects.

The government has yet to announce a final decision, but the debate has once again highlighted the ongoing tension between creative freedom and concerns over public impact in the digital age.