Wikipedia gets police notice over 'objectionable' content on Sambhaji Maharaj

A controversy has erupted in Maharashtra over `objectionable' content about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj on the popular online encyclopedia Wikipedia. In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday directed the state police to approach Wikipedia and request the removal of the content.

Following this, the Maharashtra Cyber Police issued a notice to Wikipedia, warning of legal action if the content was not taken down.

Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis asserted that the government would not tolerate any distortion of historical facts, emphasising that misinformation on open-source platforms like Wikipedia was unacceptable.

"I have asked the Inspector



General of Maharashtra cyber cell to communicate with Wikipedia officials and ask them to remove the objectionable matter against Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. We will not tolerate such writings on open-source platforms where historical facts are distorted. I have ordered the officials to take whatever steps that are required to be taken," Fadnavis said.

The discussion emerged days after the release of Chhaava, a Bollywood film starring Vicky Kaushal, based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of the legendary Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

“Freedom of expression is not unlimited. It cannot encroach on the freedom of others,” the Chief Minister asserted.