'Chhaava' Row: Maharashtra Cyber Files Case Against 4 Wikipedia Editors. Here's Why

According to officials, the content in question lacked credible references and was considered inflammatory, raising concerns about communal harmony.

The controversy has emerged in the wake of the recently released Hindi film "Chhaava".

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Maharashtra Cyber has filed a case against four Wikipedia editors for allegedly failing to remove what it deems "objectionable" content about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj from the online encyclopedia, officials confirmed on Friday.

Wikimedia Foundation Put on Notice

The state cyber agency had previously issued a notice to the Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit entity behind Wikipedia, urging them to take down the disputed content. The notice emphasized that the information was inaccurate and could potentially trigger unrest, given that Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Maratha empire founder Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, holds immense historical and cultural significance in India.

Concerns Over Misinformation and Public Order

According to officials, the content in question lacked credible references and was considered inflammatory, raising concerns about communal harmony. Maharashtra Cyber noted that misinformation of this nature could lead to a law-and-order situation, prompting them to take legal action against the editors responsible for the material on Wikipedia.

Despite the formal request, there was reportedly no response from the Wikimedia Foundation regarding the removal of the disputed content. As a result, Maharashtra Cyber proceeded with filing a case under relevant sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act against the identified Wikipedia editors.

'Chhaava' Fuels Controversy

The controversy has emerged in the wake of the recently released Hindi film "Chhaava," which depicts the life of Sambhaji Maharaj. The film’s release has reignited discussions around his legacy, leading to increased scrutiny of how he is represented on digital platforms.

Government Stands Firm Against Historical Distortion

Earlier this week, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis instructed the cyber agency to formally approach Wikipedia and demand the removal of the contentious content. The notice, sent under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act and Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), explicitly stated that the content was misleading and required immediate action to prevent potential unrest.

Maharashtra Cyber underscored the importance of timely content moderation and urged the Wikimedia Foundation to implement measures preventing similar instances in the future. The agency further cited provisions under the IT Act, warning that failure to comply could lead to legal consequences for the platform's administrators and editors.

CM Fadnavis Calls for Regulation

Chief Minister Fadnavis also weighed in on the matter, asserting that any distortion of history on platforms like Wikipedia would not be tolerated. He highlighted that while Wikipedia is managed by a global network of volunteers and does not have a direct presence in India, the government could explore regulatory options to curb the spread of misinformation on such platforms.