On Monday, the Delhi High Court brought an end to the proceedings on a plea filed by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi opposing the release of ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ on an OTT platform, stating that the issue no longer remained after the Centre advised against its release. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav noted that until the advisories issued by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are overturned, the makers would not be able to release the docuseries.
‘Lawrence of Punjab’ release row may continue if content is altered
According to TOI City Desk, the petitioner’s counsel also voiced concerns that the docuseries might be released in a different format, such as by changing the names of the characters. In response, Justice Kaurav said the petitioner would be free to take appropriate legal steps if that happens. “As and when they do something, you can always come back. Today unless the advisories are set aside, they can’t release,” the court orally told the petitioner’s counsel.
‘Lawrence of Punjab’ advisories challenged by OTT platform
Appearing for the OTT platform, the senior counsel said they were challenging the Centre’s three advisories, dated April 23 and April 24, before a court of competent jurisdiction. He also argued that the current petition was not maintainable due to a lack of territorial jurisdiction. “We are in the process of challenging the advisories in the Punjab and Haryana High Court because it is based on inputs from Punjab Police,” the senior lawyer submitted.
‘Lawrence of Punjab’ plea declared infructuous by court
The senior counsel also noted that the Centre’s move had rendered the present petition infructuous. “The court finds that the cause raised in the writ petition has been rendered infructuous. In view of the advisories, this court finds that respondent may not be possibly releasing the content of ‘Lawrence of Punjab’.Liberty is granted to petitioner to intervene or take any other appropriate step in the process of challenging the said advisories at the instance of the respondent. Leaving all contentions open, the petition is disposed of,” the court ordered.
‘Lawrence of Punjab’ makers explain docuseries concept
The makers state that the show “traces the journey of a criminal identity through the lens of culture, systems, and visibility”, presenting Bishnoi as a case study in the ecosystem of student politics, music, ideology and media amplification.
‘Lawrence of Punjab’ subject Bishnoi faces multiple cases
Bishnoi, 33, is currently lodged in a Gujarat jail and is facing multiple criminal cases. He is among the key accused in the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala.
‘Lawrence of Punjab’ flagged by Punjab Police over public order concerns
Earlier, Punjab Police had urged the Centre to direct the OTT platform not to stream the docuseries on Bishnoi, warning that it could pose a threat to public order. In a letter to the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the cybercrime division of Punjab Police also highlighted that such content could increase the risk of youth being influenced and drawn towards criminal or gangster-related activities.
‘Lawrence of Punjab’ release advised against by Centre
In a communication dated April 24, the Centre advised the OTT platform against releasing Lawrence of Punjab. It further stated that OTT platforms should exercise caution and discretion before publishing or transmitting any content, including films, web series, biopics, and documentaries on gangsters and criminals, that may incite violence or disrupt public order. The Centre also noted that Punjab Police had flagged that the content includes dramatised portrayals, real-life footage, and narrative elements that could result in the glorification and amplification of organised crime and criminal elements.