New Delhi: The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has booked at least four Wikipedia editors for failing to remove what the government deems “objectionable content” about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, escalating a conflict between authorities and the online encyclopedia platform. This action follows Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s directive to address what the government describes as the distortion of historical facts.
“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 had said.
The Cyber Cell’s action stems from a notice sent to Wikipedia requesting the removal of the allegedly false and inflammatory content. After receiving no response to repeated attempts at communication, reportedly 15 emails, within a three-day timeframe, the Cyber Cell registered a case against the individuals responsible for posting the content. The charges are based on Sections 69 and 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The timing of this move is significant, coinciding with the successful theatrical run of the Hindi film “Chhaava,” which portrays the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The controversy suggests that the government’s response might be linked to the film’s popularity and the increased public attention on the Maratha ruler. Sources indicate that four to five individuals are suspected of contributing to the disputed information on Wikipedia.
Chief Minister Fadnavis publicly stated that the government would not tolerate the distortion of historical facts. He instructed the Inspector General of the Maharashtra cyber cell to contact Wikipedia and demand the removal of the objectionable content.
The government asserted that the content was inciting communal hatred and potentially leading to law and order issues. The Cyber department’s letter to Wikipedia explicitly highlighted the potential for unrest among followers of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. “Given the gravity of the situation and its potential impact if not addressed in a timely manner, you are hereby directed, under the powers vested in this office by the relevant laws and regulations, to remove the objectionable content and prevent its re-uploading in the future,” the letter said.
