Will launch fast from July 5 if amendments to RTI Rules not revoked: Anna Hazare

Activist Anna Hazare has threatened to go on an indefinite hunger strike from July 5 if the Maharashtra government does not immediately withdraw the “illegal” amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Rules.

In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday, June 23, 2026, Mr. Hazare said the Maharashtra Right to Information Rules, 2026, will “blunt the edge” of the RTI Act and keep people away from information. He alleged that the amendments made on June 12 violated the spirit of the RTI Act, 2005 and undermined transparency.

Mr. Hazare objected to the increase in wages, saying there was no rational explanation or financial analysis.

“RTI is not a revenue-generating law. If wages are increased after 20 years, penalties for officers who deny information should also be increased,” he wrote.

He opposed making the identity document mandatory, arguing that Section 6(2) of the RTI Act does not require applicants to disclose their personal details or the reasons for seeking information. Such a situation puts whistleblowers and activists in danger, the official added.

The anti-corruption activist also criticized the “one issue, one application” rule, calling it unnecessary and burdensome, and said the provision for summary closure of duplicate applications would prevent access to complete or up-to-date information.

Other objections included asking applicants for information, dismissing appeals if the applicant was not present, automatically closing cases upon the death of the applicant, and denying legal aid during hearings before the Information Commission.

Mr. Hazare said the rules put the burden on citizens rather than correcting systemic failures. He stated that Section 4 of the RTI Act, which mandates proactive disclosure by public authorities, was not adequately implemented, forcing people to apply.

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

Mr. Hazare, who has led several agitations for RTI in Maharashtra since 1998 and fasted at Ralegan Siddhi in Mumbai, Ahilyanagar district and Alandi in Pune, said he would not back down.

“If the June 12 changes are not canceled immediately, I will start my fast on July 5 at Yadav Baba Temple, Ralegan Siddhi, even if it costs my life,” the letter said.

The activist called on the state to roll back the rules and strengthen proactive disclosure rather than impose new restrictions on applicants.