Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has overturned the central government’s order banning the controversial documentary series “Lawrence of Punjab.” The court has approved the series’ release, but has also imposed some strict conditions on the producers. In its decision, the High Court has clearly directed that the producers of the series completely remove the words “Lawrence” and “Punjab” from its title, posters, trailers, and other promotional material.
The court said that the identity of any criminal cannot be used for commercial gain, especially when it is likely to send a wrong message to society or glorify the criminal.
Why did the court give approval?
During the hearing, the court reviewed the documentary series and found that, prima facie, there was no serious or controversial content within the series that warranted a complete ban. The government’s primary concern was the series’ title and the manner in which it was promoted, which could glorify gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The court acknowledged that the use of these words in the title could negatively impact Punjab’s image.
The court has directed the producers to develop a new title and new promotional material and submit it to the court. The film will be released only after these changes are approved.
Timeline of the Case: What Happened?
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also moved a petition before the High Court to challenge the release of the documentary.
The release then got stalled due to the Central government’s communication advising Zee5 to not go ahead with the release of the documentary.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises then moved the Court seeking the quashing of the advisory. It stated that its intent was not to glorify criminal activities.
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