Sambhaji Maharaj: Wikipedia Faces Notice

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Controversy erupts over ‘objectionable’ content on Sambhaji Maharaj on Wikipedia.
Maharashtra government directs Wikipedia to remove the content.
Maharashtra Cyber Police warns Wikipedia of legal action.
CM Devendra Fadnavis expresses zero tolerance for distorted historical facts.
The dispute surfaces days after the release of the movie ‘Chhaava’.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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A controversy has ignited in Maharashtra concerning “objectionable” content about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj found on the online encyclopedia Wikipedia. In response to growing public outcry, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed the state police to contact Wikipedia and request the immediate removal of the offensive material. The Maharashtra government has taken a firm stance against the distortion of historical figures and events.

Subsequently, the Maharashtra Cyber Police issued a formal notice to Wikipedia, cautioning that legal action would be taken if the content was not promptly removed. This strong response underscores the state’s commitment to preserving the integrity of its historical narrative. The issue of Sambhaji Maharaj’s portrayal is a sensitive topic in Maharashtra.

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Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis asserted that the government would not tolerate any distortion of historical facts, emphasizing that misinformation on open-source platforms like Wikipedia was simply unacceptable. He highlighted the importance of accurate historical representation and the potential harm caused by the spread of falsehoods. The accuracy of information available online has become a matter of increasing concern.

“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 stated emphatically. His words reflect the government’s determination to protect the legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj.

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This controversy emerged just days after the release of “Chhaava,” a Bollywood film starring Vicky Kaushal that depicts the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of the legendary Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The movie’s portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj has sparked renewed interest in his life and legacy.

“Freedom of expression is not unlimited. It cannot encroach on the freedom of others,” the Chief Minister asserted, highlighting the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the responsibility to avoid causing offense or harm. The debate over freedom of expression and its limitations is a recurring theme in democratic societies.

Wikipedia, as a publicly editable online encyclopedia, operates independently of India, with volunteers contributing, editing, and maintaining its articles. “We can request them to implement regulations to prevent such distortions of facts,” Fadnavis added, suggesting that Wikipedia could take steps to prevent the spread of misinformation about historical figures. The reliance on user-generated content can be a source of both strength and weakness for online platforms.

In its letter to Wikipedia, the Maharashtra Cyber Department stated that the content in question was “inciting communal hatred, as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is highly revered in India.” This assessment underscores the potential for online content to have real-world consequences.

The letter further elaborated that “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 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 government’s concern over potential unrest reflects the sensitivity surrounding historical figures in India.

The appearance of the “objectionable content” has triggered a heated online debate, with individuals discussing historical facts about Sambhaji Maharaj’s life and drawing connections to the movie “Chhaava”. Social media platforms have become the primary arena for these discussions.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember