Mumbai: Maharashtra Cyber has registered a case against at least four Wikipedia editors for failing to remove 'objectionable' content about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj from the open-source encyclopedia, officials confirmed on Friday.

The nodal agency had previously issued a notice to the California-based Wikimedia Foundation, which hosts Wikipedia, requesting the removal of the disputed content. The Wikimedia Foundation is a non-profit organisation responsible for maintaining Wikipedia.

In its notice, Maharashtra Cyber stated that the Wikipedia content in question was inaccurate and had the potential to incite a law-and-order situation in the state. The agency highlighted that Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a revered historical figure in India, commands immense respect among citizens.

Concerns over public unrest

According to the notice, the information posted on Wikipedia could lead to unrest among his followers. Given Sambhaji Maharaj's significance in Indian history, authorities feared the inaccurate content might provoke tensions.

Legal action against Wikipedia editors

Officials stated that as there was no response from Wikimedia regarding the removal of the content, Maharashtra Cyber proceeded to register a case against at least four Wikipedia editors. The charges have been filed under relevant sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act.

Wikipedia’s open collaboration model

Wikipedia is a free-content online encyclopedia that is written and maintained by a community of volunteers through open collaboration. While anyone can contribute, "some specific persons can upload content on this platform," an official said.

Backdrop of the controversy

The objections against the Wikipedia content have surfaced against the backdrop of the recently released Hindi film 'Chhaava', which is based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj. The film’s release has heightened discussions around historical representations of the revered Maratha warrior.

PTI