New Delhi: In a significant development, the Delhi High Court on Monday disposed of a petition filed by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi regarding the release of the documentary “Lawrence of Punjab” on ZEE5.
The court observed that, in light of advisories issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, nothing further remained in the matter. As a result, the documentary cannot be released on OTT platforms unless those advisories are set aside.
Justice Purushendra Kumar Kaurav stated that the production company cannot release the documentary without first challenging and overturning the government’s advisories.
When the petitioner’s counsel expressed concerns that the documentary might be released under a different name or format, the court clarified that appropriate legal action could be taken if such a situation arises. The court orally remarked that the petitioner is free to return if any such development occurs.
Senior counsel representing ZEE5 informed the court that they are already in the process of challenging the advisories dated April 23 and 24 before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, as they are based on inputs from Punjab Police. He also argued that the current petition was not maintainable due to lack of territorial jurisdiction.
The court, in its order, stated that the issue raised in the petition had become infructuous due to the government advisories. However, it granted liberty to the petitioner to intervene in future proceedings or take appropriate legal steps if required.
According to the makers, the documentary explores the journey of a criminal identity through cultural, systemic, and ideological perspectives, presenting it as a case study.
The 33-year-old Lawrence Bishnoi is currently lodged in a jail in Gujarat and faces multiple criminal charges. He is also among the main accused in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.
Earlier, Punjab Police had urged the central government to halt the release of the documentary, citing concerns over public order. The Cyber Crime Division warned that such content could influence youth and potentially attract them toward criminal activities or gang culture.
