The Delhi High Court has closed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s petition challenging ZEE5’s docuseries Lawrence of Punjab. The move follows an advisory from the central government asking ZEE5 not to release the show. The court said the makers cannot proceed unless those advisories are set aside. Bishnoi’s counsel can still pursue legal action if the series returns in another format.
Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa says he received a threat from the Lawrence Bishnoi group after he opposed the ZEE5 docu-series “Lawrence of Punjab”. The threat message also cited other prominent figures. The Union ministry reportedly advised ZEE5 not to air it citing public order risks, while Punjab Police urged the Centre to intervene.
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Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has filed a PIL in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking a ban on ZEE5’s upcoming web series “Lawrence of Punjab.” He argues the show risks glorifying gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and may negatively influence youth. The petition calls for stopping the release while the court examines potential harm and portrayal concerns.
India’s OTT market is surging, reaching 1.45 billion monthly active users as mobile data and smartphone adoption keep expanding viewing. YouTube tops the user count, with JioHotstar close behind, while Netflix has edged ahead of Amazon Prime Video. Meanwhile, ZEE5’s focus on subscriptions and local content is translating into stronger revenue and profitability.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has advised ZEE5 not to release its docu-series “Lawrence of Punjab,” after Punjab Police flagged potential public order risks. The move follows concerns that the series could glorify gangster culture and influence youth negatively, potentially undermining law enforcement efforts and ongoing efforts to maintain public peace.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has advised ZEE5 against releasing a controversial documentary linked to gangster activities, citing serious concerns about public order and the risk of glorifying crime. The directive follows an ongoing process and signals heightened scrutiny of OTT content tied to criminal figures and narratives that could influence audiences.
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