Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmednagar

Ahmednagar, Jun 23: Social activist Anna Hazare has threatened to launch an indefinite hunger strike from July 5 if the Maharashtra government does not withdraw the recent amendments made to the Right to Information (RTI) Rules, calling them “illegal” and against the spirit of transparency.

In a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday, Hazare alleged that the Maharashtra Right to Information Rules, 2026, would weaken the RTI Act and discourage citizens from seeking information.

He said the amendments introduced on June 12 violate the objectives of the RTI Act, 2005, and undermine public accountability.

Hazare objected to the increase in application fees, stating that no proper explanation or financial assessment had been provided before making the change.

“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 said in the letter.

The activist also opposed the requirement of submitting identity proof along with RTI applications, arguing that Section 6(2) of the RTI Act does not require applicants to reveal personal details or reasons for seeking information.

He said such a requirement could put whistleblowers and activists at risk.

Hazare criticised the “one subject, one application” provision, calling it unnecessary and burdensome. He also objected to the rule allowing repeated applications to be closed, saying it could prevent people from accessing complete or updated information.

Other concerns raised by him included seeking the purpose behind an RTI request, rejecting appeals if applicants remain absent, automatically closing cases after the death of an applicant and preventing legal assistance during hearings before the Information Commission.

Hazare said the amendments place additional burden on citizens instead of addressing shortcomings in the system.

He pointed out that Section 4 of the RTI Act, which requires government departments to proactively disclose information, is still not properly implemented, forcing citizens to file applications.

“Making the process more technical, costly and administration-centric will reduce transparency,” he said, adding that the amendments were introduced without public consultation.

Hazare, who has led RTI-related movements in Maharashtra since 1998 and undertaken several fasts in Mumbai, Ralegan Siddhi and Alandi, said he would continue his protest.

“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,” he said.

The activist urged the state government to withdraw the revised rules and focus on strengthening proactive disclosure under the RTI Act instead of creating restrictions for applicants.