Maharashtra Cyber Cell Files Case Against Wikipedia Editors Over 'Objectionable Content' On Sambhaji Maharaj

The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has lodged a case against at least four Wikipedia editors for failing to act and remove "objectionable content" about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, despite over 10 emails and notices being sent to the platform, sources have revealed.

Sambhaji Maharaj was the son of the renowned Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

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According to an NDTV report, multiple notices had been issued to the California-based Wikimedia Foundation, which operates the free online encyclopaedia, requesting the removal of the disputed content.

However, only an automated response was received, and no action was taken.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also taken note of the issue and directed the police to intervene. Various organisations had raised concerns over historical inaccuracies following the release of the Bollywood film 'Chhaava', starring Vicky Kaushal, which depicts the life of Sambhaji Maharaj.

The Maharashtra Cyber Cell stated in its notice that the information on the Wikipedia page was inaccurate and could potentially trigger a law-and-order situation in the state, given that Sambhaji Maharaj is deeply revered in India, as reported by news agency PTI.

The notice also warned that the content might provoke unrest among his followers.

Sources confirmed that the case was registered due to Wikipedia's alleged violation of Sections 69 and 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.