Punjab Congress chief Raja Warring issues legal notice over ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ series

Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has served a legal notice on the makers of the TV series “Lawrence of Punjab”, said to be based on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, even as slain Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala’s father has sought a ban on its telecast.

Warring said his main concerns revolved around how such a show could shape public perception, especially among young people. Seeking a ban on the series, he argued that portraying a figure like Bishnoi risked glorifying criminal culture rather than condemning it.

“The title of the web series is itself problematic. It unfairly links Punjab’s identity, often associated with its spiritual heritage, to a violent criminal figure,” said Warring, adding that Bishnoi’s involvement in serious crimes, including the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, should not be turned into a subject of entertainment.

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He also questioned the association of Bishnoi with Punjab, noting that the gangster was originally from Rajasthan and is currently lodged in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Jail.

“This is not a work of art and entertainment, but a criminal act to instigate and abet youngsters towards the world of crime,” he warned.

Warring said he would also file a public interest litigation in the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the screening of the television series, saying it had the potential to negatively influence youngsters.

Meanwhile, Balkaur Singh, Moosewala’s father, alleged that the series “it glorifies crime and will send a wrong message to society”. Expressing resentment against the government, Balkaur Singh said the teaser of the docuseries portrayed the life of a gangster in a manner that raised serious concerns. He criticised successive governments, alleging that politics had become increasingly dependent on criminal elements.

Questioning the rationale behind the project, he said there was “no justification” for showcasing the life of a person associated with extortion and violence. “Such TV shows risk glorifying criminals and projecting them as role models, which can adversely influence the youth,” he said.

Calling for strict action, he urged the government to prohibit web series that glorified crime. He also alleged that the accused in his son’s murder case were being given special facilities in jail and allowed media exposure, while the family continued to await justice.

Moosewala was shot at Jawaharke village in Mansa district on May 29, 2022.