Activist Anna Hazare threatens to begin an indefinite hunger strike on July 5 at Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra if the state government does not withdraw recent amendments to the Maharashtra Right to Information (RTI) Rules. Hazare writes to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and says the June 12 changes weaken the RTI framework and reduce transparency by “blunting the edge” of the RTI Act. Across reports, Hazare argues that the amendments impose additional burdens and conditions on applicants rather than addressing shortcomings in proactive disclosure and information access.
He objects to a reported increase in RTI fees and says no clear financial rationale is provided. He also criticizes rules that require applicants to submit an ID proof, make the “purpose of seeking information” mandatory, and require a “one subject, one application” approach. Hazare further disputes measures that could curb repeat or subsequent applications, and he raises concerns about handling of appeals when applicants are absent, closure of cases upon an applicant’s death, and restrictions on legal assistance during hearings before the Information Commission. He calls for immediate rollback and stronger implementation of Section 4 proactive disclosure.
