The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has filed a case against at least four Wikipedia editors for failing to remove “objectionable” content about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj from the open-source encyclopedia, PTI reported on Friday, citing officials.
Previously, the agency had issued a notice to the California-based Wikimedia Foundation, urging the removal of the content from Wikipedia. The Wikimedia Foundation, a non-profit organization, hosts Wikipedia.
According to PTI, the cyber agency stated in its notice that the content was inaccurate and could potentially create a law-and-order issue in the state. It emphasized that Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Maratha empire founder Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is a highly revered figure, and misleading information could cause unrest among his followers. The notice was sent to Wikimedia under the direction of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Officials said that since Wikimedia did not respond, Maharashtra Cyber registered a case against at least four Wikipedia editors under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act.
Background of the Controversy
The objections arise in the wake of the recent release of the Hindi film Chhaava, which is based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj. Earlier this week, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the state’s cyber police to contact Wikipedia and request the removal of the “objectionable” content.
The move followed concerns from various organizations alleging historical distortions on the platform after the film’s release. Fadnavis stressed that misrepresentations of history on open-source platforms like Wikipedia would not be tolerated.
“I have instructed the Inspector General of Maharashtra’s cyber cell to engage with Wikipedia officials and request the removal of the objectionable content about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. We will not tolerate such distortions of historical facts on open-source platforms,” Fadnavis said.
