Case against 4 Wikipedia editors for not removing content on Sambhaji Maharaj

The Cyber Cell of Maharashtra Police has lodged a case against 4–5 editors of Wikipedia for failing to take down controversial content on Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, sources said. Sources said 4 to 5 individuals were involved in editing and spreading disinformation about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj on Wikipedia, which could lead to a law and order situation.

The Cyber Cell had earlier sent a notice to the US-based Wikimedia Foundation, demanding a response to its request to remove the content. However, Wikipedia has not replied so far.

The Cyber Cell had sent 15 emails to Wikipedia but failed to elicit a response. In its notice, the department said the objectionable content might also lead to unrest among the thousands of followers of Sambhaji Maharaj.

Following this, the authorities decided to register a case against the editors. Officials said that Wikipedia violated Sections 69 and 79 of the IT Act,



which governs the government's power to monitor and intercept online information.

The objections to the Wikipedia content came in the wake of the release of the Bollywood movie "Chhava", which is based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Maratha empire founder Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. While Vicky Kaushal portrayed Sambhaji Maharaj, Rashmika Mandhana played the role of Maharani Yesubai.

Considering the gravity of the situation, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the Cyber Cell to approach Wikipedia at the earliest, saying such content on open-source platforms where historical facts are distorted won't be tolerated.

"Freedom of expression is not unlimited. It cannot encroach on the freedom of others," Fadnavis emphasised.

Wikipedia, a free-content online encyclopedia, operates independently of India. The encyclopedia is maintained by volunteers who can contribute and edit the articles.