Anna Hazare warns of mass agitation unless Maharashtra withdraws ‘RTI amendments’

Anna Hazare, a civil rights activist, issued an ultimatum to the Maharashtra Government demanding the withdrawal of the Maharashtra Right to Information (Amendment) Rules, 2026. He criticized the amendments for weakening the spirit of the RTI Act and argued that they have tripled application fees, introduced appeals fees, and capped free information for those living Below Poverty Line. He threatened a hunger strike if the government does not act before July 5th. Rahul Pande, the Chief Information Commissioner, claimed the meeting was satisfactory and emphasized his commitment to making the RTI regime more people-friendly. However, civil rights activists questioned the CIC's role in mediating between the government and activists while lacking the power to amend or revoke the rules.