Maharashtra Cyber Police Asks Wikipedia To Remove ‘Objectionable’ Content On Sambhaji Maharaj

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked Maharashtra’s cyber police head to have “objectionable” content on Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj removed from Wikipedia.

“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 said.

The CM emphasised the need for responsible use of freedom of expression, stating that “freedom of expression is not unlimited, and cannot encroach on the freedom of others.”

The objections arose after the release of Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandhana’s ‘Chhava’, which is based on the life of emperor Shivaji’s son Sambhaji Maharaj.

Accordingly, the state’s cyber and information security division sent a notice to Wikimedia Foundation in California, requesting the removal of the objectionable content about Sambhaji Maharaj.

The letter pointed out “this misinformation is causing unrest among his followers and could potentially lead to a law and order situation… Given the gravity of the situation and its potential impact if not addressed promptly, 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.”

“This notice is being served on you under section 79 (3) (b) of IT Act 2000 r/w the Information and Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules 2011, which makes you liable to be charged under section 85(2) of the Information Technology Act 2000,” it stated.