ZEE5 moves HC against Centre’s advisory on release of 'Lawrence of Punjab'

The High Court bench of Justice Jagmohan Bansal asked Punjab and Centre to file their responses by May 11. A formal notice on the plea had not been issued at the time of the report.

Streaming platform ZEE5 approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging the Centre’s April 24 advisory, arguing that the Union ministry invoked no specific provision and therefore authorities have no right to block or restrain the release of the docuseries. The petition asserts a lack of statutory basis for the advisory.

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring filed a public interest litigation in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking a stay on the April 27 release of the docuseries on ZEE5, arguing the content could adversely impact public order, especially among impressionable youth.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory to OTT platforms to exercise due caution and discretion before publication or transmission of any film or web series, including biopics and documentaries on gangsters and criminals, that could incite violence or disturb public order. The advisory referenced concerns about dramatised portrayals and potential glorification of crime, citing a Punjab Police letter on these issues.

The PIL filed by Amrinder Singh Raja Warring was withdrawn by him in light of the Centre’s advisory.