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Court Halts Release of 'Lawrence of Punjab' Docuseries
27 Apr
Summary
- Delhi High Court closed proceedings on gangster Bishnoi's petition.
- Centre advised OTT platform against releasing the docuseries.
- Punjab Police cited public order risks and youth influence concerns.
The Delhi High Court on Monday concluded proceedings on a petition filed by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Bishnoi had sought to prevent the release of the docuseries titled 'Lawrence of Punjab' on an Over-The-Top (OTT) platform. The court's decision to close the matter was based on the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's advisories to the platform.
The Centre had advised the OTT platform not to release the docuseries, citing potential risks to public order. Punjab Police had also written to the Centre, expressing concerns that the content could glorify organized crime and influence young people towards gangsterism. The makers described the show as tracing a criminal identity through various societal systems.
During the hearing, the court noted that the advisories rendered the docuseries' release unlikely unless challenged successfully. The OTT platform indicated it was challenging these advisories in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The Delhi High Court granted liberty to the petitioner to take appropriate steps if the content was released in another form, leaving all contentions open.
