Maharashtra RTI Rule Changes: Higher Fees, Photo ID Mandate Criticised

The Maharashtra government has amended its Right to Information (RTI) rules, sparking criticism from social activists. The new Maharashtra Right to Information Rules, 2026, issued on June 12, are set to take effect from July 5. While the state government has the authority under Section 27 of the RTI Act to frame such rules, activists argue that certain provisions could undermine the spirit of transparency.

The most controversial changes include a hike in application and appeal fees, and a new requirement for applicants to submit a self-attested photo identity document. The application fee has been increased from ₹10 to ₹30, and photocopy charges from ₹2 to ₹5 per A4 page. Scanned copies, previously free, now cost ₹5 per page. First and second appeal fees are set at ₹50 and ₹100 respectively. Applicants below the poverty line remain exempt.

Activists, including veteran Anna Hazare who has threatened an indefinite hunger strike from July 5, contend that the photo ID requirement could deter whistleblowers and marginalised groups from filing RTI applications. The government, however, justifies it as a means to verify Indian citizenship, as required by the RTI Act.

Another provision limiting each application to one subject and imposing a 150-word limit has also drawn ire. Critics say this could be used to reject applications arbitrarily, forcing applicants to file multiple requests and incur higher costs. The Public Information Officer is required to respond only to the first subject and advise separate applications for others.

Notably, an earlier provision requiring applicants to state the purpose of seeking information was withdrawn on June 19 after it was pointed out that it conflicted with Section 6(2) of the RTI Act, which prohibits demanding reasons for information requests.

The state government maintains that the amendments aim to streamline the process and prevent misuse. However, activists argue that they place undue burden on citizens and could weaken the RTI regime.