HC seeks replies on plea against Centre’s advisory on release of ‘Lawrence of Punjab’

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana high court has issued notices to the Punjab govt as well as the central govt on a petition filed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, challenging official communications advising it not to release a documentary titled "Lawrence of Punjab" on its OTT platform ZEE5.The matter came up for hearing before Justice Jagmohan Bansal on Friday, who sought responses from both the govts after hearing initial submissions.The counsel for the petitioner argued that the advisory issued by the Union ministry of information and broadcasting lacked legal backing, as it did not invoke any specific statutory provision.It was contended that in the absence of such provisions, authorities cannot restrain or compel the platform from releasing content. The matter has now been posted for the next hearing on May 11.The petitioner seeks to quash communications dated April 23 and 24 and also requests a stay on their operation during the pendency of the case. The teaser and trailer of the documentary were released on April 11 and April 19, respectively.The court also noticed that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has approached the Delhi high court seeking a stay on the documentary's release.MSID:: 130681582 413 |