23 June,2026 11:07 AM IST | Ralegan Siddhi | mid-day online correspondent
Veteran social activist Anna Hazare. Pic/X
Veteran social activist Anna Hazare has opposed the Maharashtra Right to Information (RTI) Rules, 2026, warning that he will launch an indefinite hunger strike from July 5 if the state government does not withdraw what he described as amendments that weaken the transparency law.
Hazare alleged that several provisions introduced under the new rules dilute the spirit of the Right to Information Act and make it more difficult for citizens to access information from public authorities.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he said discussions on the issue are scheduled for June 24 and that a decision on the future course of action would be taken thereafter.
"All decisions will be taken at 4 pm the day after tomorrow. Had it not been the intent to weaken the law, why would such absurd laws have been made? I launched agitations over RTI in 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2006... If we get the solution for our issues in the discussions the day after, the fast will be cancelled; otherwise, there will be agitation," Hazare said.
Among the provisions opposed by Hazare is the increase in the RTI application fee from Rs 10 to Rs 30.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the activist questioned the rationale behind the fee hike and argued that no financial justification had been provided for the increase.
"RTI is not a revenue-generating law. If fees are raised after 20 years, penalties on officers who deny information should also be increased," he wrote.
Hazare has also objected to the mandatory requirement for applicants to submit identity proof while filing RTI requests.
According to him, the provision goes against the intent of the RTI Act, which does not require citizens to disclose personal details or explain why they are seeking information.
He argued that such requirements could expose whistleblowers and activists to potential risks.
The activist has raised objections to several other provisions introduced under the Maharashtra RTI Rules, 2026.
These include the "one subject, one application" rule, a word limit for RTI applications, and provisions allowing authorities to close applications if the applicant dies.
Hazare has also criticised rules that permit dismissal of appeals if applicants remain absent during hearings and provisions that restrict legal representation before the Information Commission.
He further opposed measures relating to repeat applications, arguing that they could prevent citizens from obtaining updated or complete information.
According to Hazare, the amendments place additional burdens on citizens rather than addressing shortcomings in the implementation of transparency laws.
In his letter, Hazare highlighted his long association with the RTI movement and the campaigns he has led over the past three decades.
"I have dedicated my entire life to the service of society and the nation. To bring about transparency, I have previously conducted public awareness tours across Maharashtra in 1998, 2001, 2004, and 2006 for the Right to Information Act. Additionally, I held a hunger strike for the Right to Information at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, in 2003, followed by another hunger strike at Ralegansiddhi in 2004. In 2006, I also held a hunger strike at Alandi regarding the withdrawal of the Central Right to Information file noting and other provisions," Hazare wrote.
He noted that previous agitations had resulted in assurances from the government and said the current amendments threaten to reverse gains made over the years.
Hazare alleged that the rules notified on June 12 undermine the core principles of the RTI Act and reduce transparency in governance.
"At that time, I ended my fast in Alandi after receiving a written assurance from the then-Minister in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Prithviraj Chavan. Now, after 20 years, the provisions made on June 12, 2026, appear to be blunting the edge of this law, keeping citizens away from information, and weakening the core principles of the Right to Information as seen in the Maharashtra Right to Information Rules, 2026, published by the Maharashtra Government," he added.
Hazare also criticised the state government for introducing the amendments without public consultation and said authorities should focus instead on strengthening proactive disclosure under Section 4 of the RTI Act.
"Making the process more technical, costly and administration-centric will reduce transparency," he said.
Issuing a final warning, Hazare said he would proceed with an indefinite fast if the rules are not withdrawn.
"If the June 12 amendments are not revoked immediately, I will begin my fast on July 5 at Yadav Baba Temple, Ralegan Siddhi, even if it costs my life," the letter stated.
The Maharashtra government has not yet responded publicly to Hazare's latest demand for the withdrawal of the amended RTI rules.
(With inputs from Agencies)
