Lawrence of Punjab, a new documentary series set to release next month, has ignited a firestorm in Punjab, with calls to ban it. The series revolves around the life of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, infamous for his alleged role in high-profile crimes like the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala.

The Government's Decision

The Government of India pulled the trigger on a ban after the row escalated into potential law-and-order risks. Authorities invoked legal provisions against content that promotes enmity or glorifies offenders, issuing directives to OTT services to block it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a written request from Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, the Chief Minister of Punjab, and the state police formally seeking a ban on the docuseries.

Why the Row?

The controversy erupted soon after the trailer dropped, pulling in a wide cast of opponents. Many felt that the series was glamorizing Bishnoi's life and activities, drawing parallels to global true-crime hits. However, its focus on his world, rather than condemning his actions, sparked widespread outrage.

Read More: From ‘Blazing Saddles’ to ‘Parasite’: Films That Demand Your Full Attention

Lawrence Bishnoi: A Notorious Gangster

Bishnoi is a notorious gangster with a long history of involvement in organized crime. He has been accused of multiple crimes, including murder and extortion. The 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala was one of the most high-profile cases attributed to Bishnoi.

The Sikh Community's Response

Even Sikh leaders have spoken out against the docuseries, condemning it for its perceived glorification of a notorious gangster. The community has long been vocal about the need to address issues related to organized crime and violence in Punjab.

The OTT Platform's Stance

The OTT platform where the series was set to stream has not commented publicly on the ban, although it is clear that they will be complying with government directives. The platform's decision to release the series without proper scrutiny has sparked criticism from many.