Centre directs OTT platform not to release webseries on Lawrence

Chandigarh: Following a request from Punjab, the Union ministry of information & broadcasting has issued an advisory to an OTT platform not to release docuseries ‘Lawrence of Punjab', DGP Gaurav Yadav said on Friday.Thanking the ministry, Yadav said the cyber crime division of Punjab Police took up the matter with the ministry, seeking restraint on its screening "in a proactive move to ensure responsible content dissemination and maintain the social fabric of the state."The DGP said, "Various internal inputs suggested that the documentary, featuring dramatised portrayals, real-life footage, and specific narratives, posed a significant risk of glorifying organised crime and notorious criminals. Such depictions have the potential to mislead the youth and disturb the hard-earned peace of the state."He said, "Acting swiftly on these reports, the Punjab Police approached the ministry, which serves as the designated nodal agency for OTT content in India."The DGP said, "Following a thorough examination of the entire material, the ministry concurred with the assessment and issued an advisory to the OTT platform, directing them not to release the content on its OTT platform."