The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has lodged a case against no less than four Wikipedia editors for not removing so-called “objectionable” content on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The agency had earlier sent a notice to the Wikimedia Foundation, the American non-profit in California that hosts Wikipedia, calling for the removal of the controversial content but received no response.

The cyber agency had argued that the said content was false and could lead to jeopardizing law and order in Maharashtra since Sambhaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s son, is a highly revered historical figure. Authorities warned that misinformation about him would lead to his followers’ unrest.

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The case was registered by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell under appropriate sections of the Information Technology Act after Wikimedia did not respond. The agency added that the notice was issued at the behest of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Backdrop: Film Controversy and Historical Distortions

The controversy comes amid the release of the Hindi film Chhaava, which is based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj. Following the film’s debut, various organizations flagged alleged historical distortions on Wikipedia, prompting the Maharashtra government to intervene.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the state’s cyber police to take up the matter with Wikipedia authorities and seek removal of “objectionable” material. He said Maharashtra would not allow any manipulation of historical facts on open-source websites.

“I have asked the Inspector General of Maharashtra’s cyber cell to communicate with Wikipedia officials and ask them to remove the objectionable content regarding Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. We will not tolerate such distortions of historical facts on open-source platforms,” Fadnavis said.

Open-Source Model of Wikipedia and Legal Implications

Wikipedia, an open-content web-based encyclopedia, is written and edited collaboratively by volunteers across the globe. Nevertheless, its open-editing system has frequently resulted in controversies over accuracy and bias.

The lawsuit against Wikipedia editors is raising questions about government interference in internet sites and freedom of information. Lawyers argue that while requests can be made by authorities to remove content, charging volunteer editors for editing on a collaborative site with a criminal offense may be setting the law dangerous.

With the investigation ongoing, the question remains if Wikimedia will adhere to the Maharashtra government’s requests or resist the intervention. The case raises the current controversy surrounding the regulation of digital content and the representation of history on international platforms.