The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has filed a case against four Wikipedia editors for failing to remove allegedly objectionable content about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj despite multiple emails and notices sent to the Wikimedia Foundation. The content was flagged following the release of the Bollywood film ‘Chhaava’ and is considered historically inaccurate, potentially endangering public order due to Sambhaji Maharaj’s revered status. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed police to take action. The case cites violations of Sections 69 and 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, as authorities express concern over unrest among Sambhaji Maharaj’s followers.
Mumbai:
The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has initiated legal action against at least four Wikipedia editors for failing to remove “objectionable content” related to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, despite the company receiving over 10 emails and notices, sources reported. Sambhaji Maharaj was the son of the legendary Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Sources indicated on Friday that the California-based Wikimedia Foundation, the entity behind the free online encyclopedia, had been served with notices requesting the removal of the content concerning Sambhaji Maharaj. Unfortunately, only an automatic response was received, with no further action taken.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also acknowledged the issue and instructed the police to take appropriate measures. Various organizations raised concerns over historical inaccuracies following the release of the Bollywood film ‘Chhaava’, featuring Vicky Kaushal and centered on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj.
The Maharashtra Cyber Cell stated in their notice that the Wikipedia content was misleading and might cause a law-and-order situation in the state, given that Sambhaji Maharaj is widely venerated in India, as reported by news agency PTI. The information presented on Wikipedia could also incite unrest among his followers, the notice asserted.
According to sources, the case was filed as Wikipedia was found to be in violation of Sections 69 and 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.