During an important hearing going on in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Central Government clarified that the telecast of the controversial web series ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ has been banned. This series was scheduled to release on April 27, but now its streaming has been banned due to its controversial content.
Why was it banned? Central government’s arguments
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that this action has been taken after a thorough review of the content. According to the ministry, the main reasons for imposing the ban are as follows:The investigation found that many facts shown in the series were wrong and misleading.According to the Punjab Police report, the series attempts to ‘glamorise’ organized crime through real footage and dramatic portrayal.The report warned that such a series could have a negative impact on the youth, leading to tension and worsening of the law and order situation in the state.This series can affect the morale of the operations being conducted by security agencies and police against gangsters.
The court was told that the ministry reviewed the content and then imposed the ban, resulting in a temporary ban on the telecast of the controversial show. In this case, it will be decided only during the further hearing as to what further action will be taken.
According to an official letter from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, an excerpt about the web series states: “Further, the Punjab Police has informed that the content contains dramatic depictions, real-life footage and story elements that glorify and propagate organized crime and criminal elements. It is also pointed out that this documentary may have a negative impact on the youth by normalizing or glamorizing organized crime; may undermine ongoing law enforcement efforts against gangsters; and “It may disturb the public order, which may worsen the law and order situation in the state. Punjab Police has said that in view of the sensitivity of the issues related to gangsters in Punjab and the possibility of strong reaction from the public, the release of this series is likely to increase tension and adversely affect law and order.”
According to ANI, the press note released by the makers read: “‘Lawrence of Punjab’ traces the journey of a criminal’s identity through the lens of culture, systems and his public presence. From student politics and music to ideology and propaganda in the media, the series weaves together all those aspects to show how ambition, power and mindset come together to shape a new-age digital syndicate. Lawrence Using Bishnoi as a key example (case study), the story goes beyond just one individual and examines the larger cultural and social context and focuses on its consequences.”