Desk Correspondent , Delhi - The Punjab and Haryana High Court has cleared the release path for ZEE5’s controversial docuseries based on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, but with a major condition — the makers must remove “Lawrence Bishnoi” and “Punjab” from the title. The court observed that the series, earlier titled Lawrence of Punjab, does not appear to glorify the gangster and set aside the Centre’s advisory that had stalled its release over law-and-order concerns.

The controversy erupted ahead of the show’s scheduled April 27 release after objections were raised that the series could influence youth by normalising organised crime. The Centre, citing inputs from Punjab Police, had warned that the content — including dramatized portrayals and real footage — could create tension and disturb public order. However, after viewing the docuseries, the High Court ruled that it did not promote criminality and allowed its release with changes to the title.

The series reportedly explores the rise of Bishnoi through student politics, media visibility, and cultural influence, treating him as a case study rather than glorifying his crimes. The Ministry of I&B noted that the potential of such content  evoke strong public reactions and release of the series will likely to heighten tensions and pose adverse law-and-order implications.