Objectionable Wikipedia Content On Sambhaji Maharaj Draws Fadnavis' Ire: 'Will Not Tolerate...'
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The controversy erupted days after 'Chhaava', a film based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, hit the theatres. CM Devendra Fadnavis has lashed out at Wikipedia.
Row erupts over Wikipedia content on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (PTI Image)
Amid the dream run of Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava at the Box Office, a row over the “objectionable" content about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj on Wikipedia has rocked Maharashtra.
While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asked the police to request the online encyclopedia to take down the content, the Cyber Department said that the concerned portion of the content was “inciting communal hatred".
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The Cyber Police issued a notice to Wikipedia and warned to initiate legal action if the content was not removed.
What Did Fadnavis Say?
In strong-worded warning, Fadnavis underlined that his government would not tolerate any distortion of historical facts.
“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.
He, however, noted that Wikipedia does not operate from India and is managed by individuals having editorial rights.
“We can ask them to put in place some regulations that will stop such distortion of facts," the Chief Minister added.
Wikipedia is a free-content online encyclopedia that is maintained and written by volunteers through open collaboration.
He also underlined that the freedom of expression is not “uncontrolled" and said, “It cannot encroach on the freedom of others. When obscenity crosses limits, action can be taken".
The controversy erupted days after the release of a Hindi film Chhaava, based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Maharashtra Cyber Department Writes To Wikipedia
The Cyber Department wrote to the platform and said that the content was “inciting communal hatred, as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is highly revered in India".
It said that the misinformation was causing unrest among the followers and could lead to a law and order situation.
“Given the gravity of the situation and its potential impact if not addressed in a timely manner, 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," the letter said.
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