Maharashtra government follows RTI rules two days ahead of Anna Hazare’s agitation
Social activist Anna Hazare. File | Photo credit: Sushil Kumar Verma
Two days before social activist Anna Hazare was to begin an indefinite hunger strike at Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district against the Maharashtra government’s recent amendments to the Right to Information rules, the state government on Thursday put the amendments on hold. “We will restore the post on June 11, 2026,” a senior IAS officer told The Hindu. Another official said the amendments were put on hold in view of objections and concerns raised by a social activist.
Soon after the government’s decision, the villagers of Ralegan Siddhi expressed their joy. “It is a moment of happiness for us. It would be difficult to see Anna sitting on hunger strike at the age of 90. Ralegan Siddhi has seen his struggles for decades. The village stands by him,” said a close associate of Mr Hazare.
The Hindu has accessed the letter sent by the General Administration Department to the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of Maharashtra on July 2. “The Chief Minister has directed that the rules should come into force before issuing the gazette notification on June 12, 2026. Action has therefore been taken immediately,” it said. Soon after, the Maharashtra State Information Commission (SIC) issued orders complying with the Maharashtra Right to Information (Amendment) Rules, 2026 (a copy is available with The Hindu).
Several activists objected to provisions of the amended rules, which included a tripling of the application fee, the introduction of a new appeal fee and restrictions on free information for those living below the poverty line. The rules also required each RTI application to be on one subject and limited to 150 words. Other provisions included mandatory disclosure of the applicant’s identity, removing anonymity protections for whistleblowers, banning legal representation at hearings, allowing cases to be dismissed if applicants do not appear, and closing cases after the applicant’s death.
Reacting to the development on Thursday, RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar welcomed the government’s decision to delay the changes. But he also called for the repeal of the amendments. “They are against the provisions of the RTI Act. The government should appoint a new committee to look into the issue. It should include all stakeholders and it should be done transparently. There should be a public consultation,” he said.
When asked about the stay, Maharashtra CIC Rahul Pande told The Hindu: “Our discussion last week with respected Anna Hazare was on effective implementation of the RTI Act in the state and to make the RTI regime more people-friendly with more vigorous steps towards maximum suo motu voluntary disclosure under Section 4(1) of the RTI Rules. publication and demanded that the implementation of the RTI Rules be suspended.”
“Accordingly, the Chief Minister directed that the implementation of the RTI rules be stayed and immediately communicated to all members of the SIC on receipt of the instruction. As a result, the pre-June 12 rules have been restored. The Information Commission is deeply committed to strengthen the RTI regime for the people and enforce it more effectively,” he added.
The government announced the decision on a day when villagers of Ralegan Siddhi called for an agitation on Friday (July 3, 2026) when they planned to burn the draft of the new RTI rules.
The SIC team visited Mr. Hazare on June 24. After the meeting, Mr. Hazare reiterated his determination to continue the strike. A group of prominent activists has also sent a legal notice to the Maharashtra government saying the changes are against the spirit and provisions of the RTI Act.
Published – 02 Jul 2026 17:12 IST