Anna Hazare Threatens Hunger Strike Over Maharashtra RTI Rules Amendments (July 5, 2026)

Anna Hazare , the veteran anti‑corruption activist, has warned that he will begin an indefinite hunger strike on July 5, 2026 if the Maharashtra government does not roll back the amendments made on June 12, 2026 to the RTI Act . He says the changes will "blunt the edge" of the law and restrict public access to information. Key Developments Hazare sent a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on June 23, 2026 demanding immediate withdrawal of the amendments. The amendments raise application fees, make ID proof mandatory, and introduce a "one subject, one application" rule. New provisions allow automatic closure of applications if the applicant is absent, dies, or submits repeat requests. Legal assistance during hearings before the Information Commission is barred. Hazare threatens a fast at Yadav Baba Temple, Ralegan Siddhi, even at the cost of his life. Important Facts The fee hike lacks a financial justification; Hazare argues that the RTI law is not a revenue‑generating instrument. Requiring ID proof conflicts with Section 6(2) , which does not obligate applicants to reveal personal details. Automatic case closure on the applicant's death or absence could block access to updated information. The amendments shift procedural burdens onto citizens instead of strengthening proactive disclosure mandated by Section 4 . No public consultation was held before the rules were framed. UPSC Relevance The episode highlights the functioning of India’s transparency framework, a frequent topic in GS 2 (Polity). Understanding the RTI law, its key sections, and the role of the Information Commission helps aspirants analyse governance challenges, citizen‑state interaction, and the impact of administrative reforms. Way Forward Stakeholders should: Re‑evaluate the fee structure with a cost‑benefit analysis. Remove mandatory ID proof and the "one subject, one application" clause to protect whistle‑blowers. Strengthen proactive disclosure under Section 4 instead of adding procedural hurdles. Ensure that any amendment undergoes public consultation, reflecting democratic accountability. These steps would align the state rules with the spirit of the RTI Act and safeguard citizens' right to information.