Delhi High Court Closes Lawrence Bishnoi Plea Against Docuseries ‘Lawrence of Punjab’

The Delhi High Court has closed proceedings on a petition filed by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi challenging the proposed release of the docuseries “Lawrence of Punjab” on ZEE5, observing that no further adjudication was required at this stage in light of the Centre’s advisories against its release.

The bench of Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav noted that the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had already issued advisories cautioning the OTT platform against releasing the content. In view of these developments, the Court held that the grievance raised in the petition no longer survived for consideration.

During the hearing, the Court orally remarked that unless the advisories issued by the Centre were set aside by a competent court, the platform would not be in a position to release the docuseries. It further clarified that if the makers attempted to release the content in any modified form, such as by changing names or altering presentation, the petitioner would be at liberty to seek appropriate legal remedies at that stage.

“As and when they do something, you can always come back. Today unless the advisories are set aside, they cannot release,” the Court observed, indicating that the issue was presently premature.

Senior counsel appearing for the OTT platform informed the Court that the advisories dated April 23 and April 24 were being challenged before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, as they were based on inputs from Punjab Police. It was also argued that the Delhi High Court lacked territorial jurisdiction to entertain the matter, given that the underlying concerns and inputs originated from Punjab.

The counsel further submitted that, in light of the Centre’s advisories, the petition had effectively become infructuous. Accepting this contention, the Court formally disposed of the plea, observing that the cause of action no longer subsisted.

“The court finds that the cause raised in the writ petition has been rendered infructuous. In view of the advisories, this court finds that the respondent may not be possibly releasing the content of ‘Lawrence of Punjab’,” the order recorded.

At the same time, the Court granted liberty to the petitioner to intervene in or take appropriate steps in the proceedings challenging the advisories. It clarified that all legal contentions remain open for consideration in appropriate proceedings.

The controversy surrounding the docuseries stems from concerns raised by Punjab Police, which had written to the Centre urging it to prevent the release. Authorities expressed apprehension that the content, which reportedly includes dramatised portrayals and real-life footage, could glorify criminal activities and influence young audiences.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, acting on these inputs, advised the platform to exercise caution and refrain from releasing content that could potentially disturb public order or incite violence. It also issued a broader advisory to OTT platforms, cautioning against the publication or transmission of films, web series, or documentaries based on gangsters or criminal figures that may have adverse societal impact.

The makers of the docuseries have described it as an exploration of the evolution of a criminal identity, examining the interplay of student politics, media, and cultural narratives.

However, law enforcement agencies have maintained that such portrayals risk amplifying and normalising organised crime.

Lawrence Bishnoi, currently lodged in a Gujarat jail, is facing multiple criminal cases and is a key accused in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.

With the Delhi High Court declining to proceed further at this stage, the focus is now likely to shift to the challenge against the Centre’s advisories before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which will determine whether the docuseries can be released in any form.

Case Title: Lawrence Bishnoi vs Union of India & Ors.