Veteran social activist Anna Hazare has announced his intention to commence an indefinite hunger strike starting July 5, asserting that the Maharashtra government must immediately revoke the recently introduced amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Rules. Hazare contends that these changes will significantly diminish the effectiveness of the RTI Act and impede public access to crucial information.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that Hazare, in a letter addressed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday, expressed strong disapproval of the Maharashtra Right to Information Rules, 2026, which he believes will “blunt the edge” of the RTI Act, 2005, and obstruct transparency. He specifically pointed out that the amendments, enacted on June 12, violate the fundamental spirit of the RTI Act and compromise the principles of openness.
A primary point of contention for Hazare is the increase in RTI application fees, which he stated lacks any rational justification or supporting financial analysis. He argued that the RTI is not intended as a revenue-generating mechanism and that if fees are being raised after a two-decade period, the penalties for government officials who obstruct or deny information should also be commensurately increased.
Furthermore, Hazare raised objections to the mandatory requirement of ID proof for RTI applicants. He highlighted that Section 6(2) of the RTI Act explicitly states that applicants are not obligated to disclose personal details or the reasons behind their information requests. He cautioned that such a requirement could potentially endanger whistleblowers and activists by making them identifiable.
The activist also criticised the imposition of a “one subject, one application” rule, deeming it both unnecessary and overly burdensome. He further expressed concern that the provision allowing for the summary closure of repetitive applications could effectively block citizens from obtaining complete or updated information on matters of public interest.
Additional objections raised by Hazare include the demand for the purpose of seeking information from applicants, the provision for the dismissal of appeals if the applicant fails to appear, the automatic closure of cases upon the applicant’s demise, and the prohibition of legal representation during hearings before the Information Commission. He contended that these rules place an undue burden on citizens rather than addressing systemic failures within public authorities.
Hazare pointed out that Section 4 of the RTI Act, which mandates proactive disclosure of information by public authorities, remains inadequately implemented, compelling citizens to resort to filing RTI applications. He asserted that making the process more complex, costly, and administrative-centric would inevitably lead to a reduction in transparency. He also noted that these amendments were introduced without adequate public consultation.
Hazare, who has a history of leading significant campaigns for the RTI Act in Maharashtra since 1998, including fasts in Mumbai, Ralegan Siddhi in Ahilyanagar district, and Alandi in Pune, stated his unwavering resolve. He reiterated that if the amendments made on June 12 are not immediately revoked, he will commence his fast on July 5 at the Yadav Baba Temple in Ralegan Siddhi, regardless of the personal cost.
The veteran activist urged the state government to withdraw the contentious rules and instead focus on strengthening mechanisms for proactive disclosure by public authorities, rather than imposing new restrictions on information seekers.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
