The Cyber Cell of Maharashtra Police has filed a case against four to five Wikipedia editors for failing to remove controversial content about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. This action follows complaints that these editors were spreading misinformation about the Maratha ruler. The matter has raised concerns of potential law and order issues.
Sources reveal that the Cyber Cell of Maharashtra police sent multiple notices to Wikipedia, requesting the removal of offensive content. However, despite sending 15 emails and contacting the Wikimedia Foundation in the US, the platform has not responded.
In the notice, the police raised concerns that the objectionable content could incite unrest among the thousands of Sambhaji Maharaj’s followers. This prompted the authorities to take further action and register a case against the Wikipedia editors.
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The case cites violations under Sections 69 and 79 of the IT Act, which relate to the monitoring and regulation of online content in India. These sections empower the government to address issues related to misinformation on online platforms. Authorities argued that Wikipedia failed to act on the complaints, thus breaching these regulations.
The controversy surrounding the Wikipedia content intensified with the release of the Bollywood film Chhava. The movie, based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, portrays his legacy. The film’s release, starring Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji Maharaj and Rashmika Mandhana as Maharani Yesubai, has reignited debates over the ruler’s portrayal in media.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took a firm stance on the issue. He directed the Cyber Cell to pursue the matter with Wikipedia promptly. The Chief Minister emphasized that historical facts should not be distorted on open-source platforms. “Freedom of expression is not unlimited. It cannot encroach on the freedom of others,” he asserted.
Wikipedia operates as an independent platform, maintained by volunteer editors. The platform allows anyone to contribute and edit articles. Despite its global reach, Wikipedia has not yet responded to the authorities’ requests or made any changes to the content in question.
This incident highlights the growing tension between free expression on digital platforms and the responsibility to ensure accurate representation of historical figures. With millions of users across India, Wikipedia’s role in shaping public perception cannot be understated. The ongoing issue reflects broader concerns about online misinformation and its potential to spark conflict.
As the case continues, it will likely set a precedent for how historical content is managed and moderated on digital platforms, especially in politically and culturally sensitive contexts like the life of Sambhaji Maharaj.
