On Monday, again Delhi High Court he ended the proceedings due to an allegation filed by a gangster Lawrence Bishnoi Opposing the release of ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ on an OTT platform, he stated that the issue no longer remained after the Center recommended against its release. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav stated that until the notice issued by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is cancelled, the makers will not be able to release the docuseries.
‘Lauren Punjab ‘ release row may continue if content changes
According to TOI City Desk, the petitioner’s counsel also raised concerns that the docuseries could be released in a different format, for example by changing the names of the characters. In response, Justice Kaurav said that the petitioner would be free to take appropriate legal action. “When they do something, you can always come back. Unless they ignore the advice today, they can’t release them,” the court said orally to the petitioner’s counsel.
Remarks challenged by ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ OTT platform
Appearing for the OTT platform, the senior counsel said that the Centre’s three advisories, on April 23 and April 24, were being challenged before a court of competent jurisdiction. He also argued that the current petition cannot be maintained due to the lack of territorial jurisdiction. “We are challenging the advice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court because it is based on the input of the Punjab Police,” the senior advocate said.
The ‘Lawrence of Punjabe’ plea has been declared ineffective by the court
The Advocate General also stated that the petition filed by the Center’s movement was unsuccessful. “The Court suggests that the cause raised in the writ petition has been effective. In view of the counsels, this court is of the opinion that the respondent may not be released from the contents of ‘Lawrence of Punjabe’. Liberty is given to the petitioner to intervene or take any other suitable steps in the process of challenging the counsels mentioned in the petition of the respondent. Leaving all the cases open, the petition is struck out,” the judge ordered.
The makers of “Lawrence of Punjab” explain the concept of the docuseries
According to the makers, the show “traces the trajectory of a criminal identity through the lens of culture, systems and visibility”, presenting Bishnoi as a case study of student politics, music, ideology and media amplification.
The subject of ‘Lawrence of Punjabe’ Bishnoi faces several cases
Bishnoi, 33, is currently in a jail in Gujarat and is facing several criminal cases. He is one of the key accused in the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala.
Punjab Police tagged ‘Lawrence of Punjabe’ due to public order concern
Earlier, the Punjab Police had asked the Center to direct the OTT platform to play the docuseries on Bishnoi, warning that it could pose a threat to public order. In a letter to the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the cyber crime wing of the Punjab Police also pointed out that such content could increase the risk of influencing and luring youth into criminal or gangster-related activities.
“Lawrence of Punjab” release is recommended by Center
In a communication dated April 24, the Center advised the OTT platform to release Lawrence from Punjab. He further stated that OTT platforms should exercise caution and discretion before publishing or broadcasting any content that may promote violence or disrupt public order, including movies, web series, biopics and documentaries on gangsters and criminals. The Center also noted that the Punjab Police had indicated that the content includes staged portrayals, real-life footage and narrative elements that may glorify and exacerbate organized crime and criminal elements.
