Anna Hazare Threatens Indefinite Hunger Strike Over Maharashtra RTI Amendments

Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare has threatened to launch an indefinite hunger strike from July 5 if the Maharashtra government does not immediately withdraw the amendments made to the Right to Information (RTI) Rules. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday, Hazare said the Maharashtra Right to Information Rules, 2026, would 'blunt the edge' of the RTI Act and keep citizens away from information.

Hazare, a veteran campaigner for transparency, claimed the amendments, which were issued on June 12, violate the spirit of the RTI Act, 2005, and undermine the principles of transparency and accountability. He raised several objections, including the increase in application fees, mandatory identity proof for applicants, and a 'one subject, one application' rule.

'RTI is not a revenue-generating law. If fees are raised after 20 years, penalties on officers who deny information should also be increased,' Hazare wrote. He argued that mandatory ID proof violates Section 6(2) of the RTI Act, which does not require applicants to disclose personal details or reasons for seeking information. Such a condition, he said, endangers whistleblowers and activists.

Hazare also criticised the 'one subject, one application' rule, calling it unnecessary and burdensome. He said the provision to summarily close repeat applications would block access to complete or updated information. Other objections included requiring applicants to state the purpose of seeking information, dismissing appeals if the applicant remains absent, automatic closure of cases on an applicant's death, and barring legal assistance during hearings before the Information Commission.

The activist argued that the amendments shift the burden onto citizens instead of fixing systemic failures under public authorities. He noted that Section 4 of the RTI Act, which mandates proactive disclosure, remains poorly implemented, forcing people to file applications. 'Making the process more technical, costly and administration-centric will reduce transparency,' he said, adding that the amendments were brought without public consultation.

Hazare, who has led several agitations for RTI in Maharashtra since 1998 and undertaken fasts in Mumbai, Ralegan Siddhi, and Alandi, said he would not back down. '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 activist urged the state government to withdraw the rules and strengthen proactive disclosure mechanisms instead of imposing new restrictions on applicants. As of now, the Maharashtra government has not issued a response to Hazare's letter.