The central government has advised OTT platform ZEE5 to withhold the release of its upcoming docuseries 'Lawrence of Punjab' due to concerns that the content glorifies gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and may impact public order.
During a hearing in the Punjab and Haryana high court, additional solicitor general Satya Pal Jain presented a letter from the ministry of information and broadcasting addressed to ZEE5.
The Centre's advisory stated that digital platforms must exercise 'due caution and discretion' while producing biopics or documentaries on criminals, especially those that may incite violence.
Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring withdrew his public interest litigation seeking a stay on the series following the advisory.
The show, slated for an April 27 premiere, had come under legal scrutiny over its potential to disturb public order and influence impressionable viewers.
Punjab Police informed the Centre that there is a 'reasonable apprehension' that the documentary's release could lead to heightened tensions and increase the risk of youth being influenced and drawn towards criminal or gangster-related activities.
