RTI – Maharashtra Halts New Information Rules After Anna Hazare’s Protest Warning
RTI – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed authorities to put the newly notified Right to Information rules on hold following objections raised by social activist Anna Hazare. The decision came shortly after Hazare said he would begin an indefinite hunger strike on July 5 if the state government did not withdraw the changes.
Chief Minister Orders Immediate Suspension
Fadnavis on Thursday instructed the state’s chief commissioner of RTI to suspend the implementation of the Maharashtra Right to Information Rules, 2026. The rules had introduced several procedural changes for citizens seeking government records under the Right to Information Act.
The revised framework was notified by the General Administration Department and published in the official gazette on June 12. It took effect immediately after publication, according to the notification. With the chief minister’s intervention, the implementation of those provisions has now been paused.
Proposed Rules Raised Concerns Over Access
Among the changes was a proposed application fee of Rs 730 for people filing RTI requests. The rules also required applicants to submit identity proof and stated that an application should generally cover only one subject.
In addition, RTI applications were to be limited to 150 words. If an applicant included more than one issue in the same request, the public information officer could take up only the first subject and ask the applicant to submit separate applications for the remaining matters.
Critics said these provisions could increase the cost and complexity of seeking information from public authorities. The RTI Act is widely used by citizens, journalists and civil society groups to obtain official documents and seek accountability from government departments.
Hazare Calls for Withdrawal of Amendments
Hazare had asked the Maharashtra government to revoke the notified rules, arguing that they weakened the original purpose of the RTI law. In a memorandum sent to Fadnavis, he said the amendments created additional procedural barriers and could make the appeal process more difficult for applicants.
He also raised concerns about the increased fee and the restrictions on the format and scope of applications. Hazare maintained that such requirements could discourage ordinary citizens from using the law to seek information from government offices.
The activist had announced plans for an indefinite hunger strike beginning July 5 if the government did not act on his demand. The chief minister’s direction to suspend the rules came before the proposed protest date.
Demand for Wider Consultation
Hazare said the rules should not have been finalised without broader public consultation. He called on the state government to prepare a fresh set of regulations after discussions with RTI experts, information commissioners, lawyers, journalists, social activists and members of the public.
His demand reflects a wider concern among transparency advocates that changes to RTI procedures should be examined carefully before they are enforced. They argue that administrative rules must support, rather than limit, the public’s ability to obtain information.
Next Steps Expected From State Authorities
The state government has not yet announced whether it will permanently withdraw the rules or begin a formal consultation process. The stay means the notified provisions will not be implemented for now, while officials consider the objections raised by Hazare and other stakeholders.
The development has drawn attention to the continuing importance of the Right to Information Act in Maharashtra. Any future changes to RTI procedures are likely to face close scrutiny from citizens’ groups and transparency campaigners