Chandigarh, April 24
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Friday formally advised streaming platform ZEE5 to withhold the release of a documentary or web series based on Lawrence Bishnoi, pointing to serious concerns raised by Punjab Police about its potential impact on law and order. In a letter dated April 24, the ministry referred to a petition pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court and an earlier advisory issued in October 2025, which urged OTT platforms to exercise caution while publishing content on crime, gangsters or biographical narratives that could provoke violence or disrupt public order.
The Punjab Police told the ministry that the proposed content includes dramatised portrayals, real-life footage and narrative elements that may glorify organised crime. Authorities warned that such depictions risk influencing young audiences by normalising criminal behaviour and could undermine ongoing efforts to curb gangster activity in the state.
The police also flagged the sensitivity of gangster-related issues in Punjab, saying the release of such material could trigger strong public reactions, heighten tensions and adversely affect the law and order situation.
The ministry further cited earlier observations by the High Court in related proceedings, where it took note of interviews of Bishnoi allegedly recorded inside prison premises. The court had expressed concern that such material could promote criminal activities, affect ongoing trials and influence witnesses.
In previous orders, the court directed authorities to ensure that such content is removed or blocked from social media platforms, and asked intermediaries to preserve related data for investigation. Search engines were also told to de-index and remove links associated with the content.
The High Court reiterated in January 2026 that authorities must identify and take down online material that glorifies crime or criminals without delay.
Taking these directions into account, the ministry said there was a “reasonable apprehension” that releasing the proposed programme could be prejudicial to public order and might even incite cognisable offences. It therefore advised ZEE5 not to release the content and to take appropriate action.
The communication was issued with the approval of the competent authority, underscoring the government’s broader concern over the portrayal of organised crime in digital media.
