Gurpreet Singh :- The High Court is set to hear a petition on Friday seeking a ban on a documentary series based on the life of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, alleged mastermind in the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. The plea has been filed by Punjab Congress chief and Member of Parliament Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who has strongly opposed the release of the series.
In his submissions and public statements, Warring termed the documentary not merely as entertainment content but an affront to public sentiment, particularly for families affected by gang-related violence. Referring to the killing of Moosewala, he said the loss was deeply felt across Punjab and among millions of fans worldwide, adding that portraying such figures risks glorifying crime and reopening wounds of victims’ families.
He further argued that productions centered on gangsters could negatively influence young minds and contribute to the normalization of criminal culture. Urging the court to intervene, Warring has sought an immediate stay on the release of the series, maintaining that individuals responsible for violence should not be depicted in a heroic light.
The documentary, titled “Lawrence of Punjab,” traces Bishnoi’s journey from student politics to becoming a prominent figure in organized crime. Directed by Raghav Dar, the series is scheduled for release on the OTT platform ZEE5 on April 27, 2026. The trailer has already triggered a political controversy in Punjab, with the Congress party demanding a ban, citing concerns that it may encourage criminal tendencies.
Warring has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking intervention at the central level to halt the release. The outcome of today’s hearing is expected to determine whether the series will be allowed to stream as scheduled or face legal restrictions.
