Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has sparked a political debate after demanding a ban on a reported television series titled “Lawrence of Punjab.” The series is said to be inspired by the life of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, and Warring believes such a project could end up glorifying criminal culture instead of condemning it.
Reacting strongly to reports about the series, Warring said that portraying gangsters in entertainment content can have a serious impact on young minds. According to him, when crime stories are dramatized for television, they often blur the line between awareness and admiration. He warned that impressionable viewers might begin to see criminals as powerful or heroic figures, which could encourage the wrong kind of fascination with crime.
The Punjab Congress leader also raised objections to the title “Lawrence of Punjab,” calling it deeply problematic. He argued that Punjab has a proud spiritual and cultural heritage, and linking the name of the state with a gangster damages its reputation. Warring pointed out that Bishnoi is actually from Rajasthan and questioned why the state of Punjab should be associated with his identity.
Currently, Lawrence Bishnoi is lodged in Sabarmati Central Jail while facing multiple criminal cases across the country. Warring said the focus should remain on strengthening law and order rather than turning the lives of alleged criminals into entertainment content.
The Congress leader also referred to the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, a case that shook the nation and sparked widespread outrage. Bishnoi’s name had surfaced in connection with the killing, and Warring said that creating a series around such a figure would be insensitive to victims and their families.
Have issued a legal notice against “Lawrence of Punjab.”
— Amarinder Singh Raja Warring (@RajaBrar_INC) April 21, 2026
Not for headlines. Not for politics.
But for every mother who still waits for a son who will never return.
Punjab is still healing.
And you cannot turn our wounds into watchable content.
We remember Sidhu Moosewala. We… pic.twitter.com/jHwdCVuDEf
Calling the proposed show dangerous for society, Warring said it could push some youngsters toward a fascination with gangster culture. “This is not art or entertainment, but a criminal act that could instigate young people toward the world of crime,” he warned.
Taking the issue beyond political criticism, Warring announced that he plans to file a Public Interest Litigation in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Through the petition, he intends to seek legal intervention to stop the screening of the television series if it moves forward.
He also questioned why both the state and central governments have not taken any action so far. According to him, authorities should examine whether such projects could negatively influence society before allowing them to reach the public.
The controversy has now opened a broader discussion about crime-based storytelling in films and television. While some creators argue that such projects reflect real events and can raise awareness, critics believe they sometimes end up glamorizing criminals.
As the debate intensifies, the future of the “Lawrence of Punjab” series may depend on legal developments and public reaction in the coming weeks.
Summary: Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has demanded a ban on the proposed TV series “Lawrence of Punjab,” claiming it could glorify gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and negatively influence young audiences. He plans to file a PIL in the Punjab and Haryana High Court to stop the show from being screened.