Renowned social activist Anna Hazare has expressed fierce opposition to the recent amendments made to the Right to Information (RTI) Act by the Maharashtra government. Demanding an immediate withdrawal of these changes, Hazare warned that he would launch an indefinite hunger strike starting July 5 if the government fails to comply. In a strongly worded letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the veteran activist stated that the updates passed on June 12 severely dilute and damage the core intent of the original RTI Act of 2005.
Hazare heavily criticized the steep hike in RTI application fees, pointing out that the state government provided no financial analysis or valid justification for the increase. He argued that the RTI is a tool for public accountability, not a revenue-generating mechanism for the state. He demanded that if fees are to be increased after 20 years, then penalties imposed on officials who deliberately withhold information should be raised proportionally. Furthermore, Hazare strongly rejected the newly introduced mandatory ID proof rule for applicants, noting that Section 6(2) of the RTI Act explicitly protects citizens from disclosing personal details or reasons for seeking information. Stating that this rule exposes whistleblowers and anti-corruption activists to severe safety threats, he termed the restriction dangerous.
The social activist also called out the unilateral nature of these amendments, which were implemented without any public consultation. He highlighted several structural flaws in the new guidelines, such as the automatic closure of cases if an applicant fails to appear for a hearing or passes away, and the restriction preventing citizens from obtaining legal aid during proceedings before the Information Commission. Having led numerous historical movements for the RTI in Maharashtra since 1998, Hazare declared that he will sit for his strike at the Yadav Baba Temple in his native village, Ralegan Siddhi. He urged the government to abandon restrictive hurdles for the public and instead focus on strengthening proactive, voluntary disclosure of information by state departments.
