Maharashtra's newly-notified Right to Information (RTI) Rules, 2026 have sparked strong opposition from transparency activists, who say the changes will make access to information more expensive and difficult for ordinary citizens. The new rules raise RTI application fees from ₹10 to ₹30, increase charges for obtaining copies of documents, introduce fees for first and second appeals, require proof of Indian citizenship and mandate applicants to disclose the purpose for seeking information.
Critics argue that several of the provisions run contrary to the spirit of the RTI Act, 2005 which was enacted to make governance more transparent and accountable.
RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar described the changes as a serious blow to citizens' right to know. "Where democracy has already ended, who is going to care about the right to information? Citizens already had to struggle to obtain information. Now the state government has implemented new rules that completely finish off the RTI, which was already on its deathbed," he said.
The new rules were notified by the Maharashtra government through a gazette notification issued by the general administration department (GAD) and replaced the earlier fee structure that had remained unchanged for years. The revised provisions are contained in the Maharashtra Right to Information Rules, 2026.
Sharp Increase in RTI Costs
One of the most significant changes is the steep increase in fees payable by citizens seeking information from public authorities.
The application fee for filing an RTI request has been increased from ₹10 to ₹30, representing a 200% increase. The fee for obtaining A4-sized copies of documents has been raised from ₹2/page to ₹5/page, an increase of 150%.
In addition, the rules provide that scanned or digitally supplied copies of records will also attract a charge of ₹5/page. The notification further introduces a fee of ₹50 for filing a first appeal and ₹100 for filing a second appeal.
Mr Kumbhar criticised the revised fee structure, saying it would discourage citizens from exercising their statutory rights. "RTI application fee: from ₹10 to ₹30 — a whopping 200% increase. Fee for an A4 copy: from ₹2 to ₹5 — a 150% increase. Even digital or scanned copies will now cost ₹5 per page. A fee of ₹50 for the first appeal and ₹100 for the second appeal," he said while listing the changes.
According to transparency advocates, the cumulative effect of higher application fees, document charges, and appeal fees could significantly increase the cost of obtaining information, particularly in cases involving large volumes of records or prolonged litigation before information commissions.
Purpose of Seeking Information Now Required
The most shocking provision, drawing strong criticism, is the requirement that applicants disclose the purpose for which information is being sought.
The application format prescribed under the new rules requires citizens to state why they need the information and also submit proof of Indian citizenship. The format further limits applications to one subject and provides only limited space for describing the information sought.
Mr Kumbhar questioned the rationale behind the requirement.
"A reason will have to be given for why the information is needed. This is like employees asking their employer to justify himself," he said.
Transparency activists argue that the RTI Act was deliberately designed to ensure that citizens could seek information without having to explain their motives or interests.
Citizenship Proof Mandatory
The new rules also make it compulsory for applicants to furnish proof of Indian citizenship while seeking information. Similar requirements have been incorporated in appeal forms as well.
Activists contend that this additional requirement may create procedural hurdles, especially for applicants filing requests online or those who may not have readily available documentary proof.
Mr Kumbhar listed the citizenship proof requirement among the measures that, in his view, would make access to information more difficult.
"Attaching proof of citizenship is now mandatory. Only one subject per application, and a limit of roughly 150 words," he said.
Letter Seeks Action against Senior Bureaucrat
The controversy has also led to demands for action against senior officials involved in framing the rules.
Vivek Velankar, president of Sajag Nagrik Manch, Pune, has written to the state chief secretary seeking disciplinary action against Dr Atul Patne, principal secretary of the GAD who had issued the notification of RTI Rules.
In his letter, Mr Velankar alleged that the notification substantially increased RTI-related fees without disclosing the facts and reasons behind the decision, despite provisions relating to proactive disclosure.
He says the RTI framework itself requires public authorities to proactively place relevant facts and reasons in the public domain when decisions affecting citizens are taken.
He argued that no explanation had been provided for the increase in RTI application fees, appeal fees and information charges.
"The notification has brought about an excessive increase in the fees for RTI applications, first appeals, second appeals, as well as the fees for information itself. This decision is adversely affecting the public," Mr Velankar stated in his representation.
Questions Raised over Compliance with RTI Act
Mr Velankar has also questioned the legality of requiring applicants to state the purpose of seeking information.
In his letter, he argued that Section 6(2) of the RTI, 2005, specifically provides that an applicant is not required to give any reason for requesting information.
He alleged that the application format prescribed through the new notification disregards this provision of the parent legislation and sought corrective action from the state government.
The activist has demanded that a corrigendum be issued to remove provisions that are allegedly inconsistent with the RTI Act passed by Parliament.
Mr Velankar further cited a provision in the notification itself that addresses accountability for failure to proactively disclose information. He argued that since the reasons for the fee increase were not published, responsibility should be fixed and disciplinary proceedings initiated against the concerned official.
Activists Warn of Impact on Transparency
Transparency campaigners say the cumulative impact of higher fees, appeal charges, citizenship documentation requirements, purpose disclosure requirements and restrictions on the format of applications could discourage citizens from seeking information from public authorities.
Mr Kumbhar said RTI remains a critical tool for democratic accountability and public oversight.
"The right to information is the lifeblood of democracy. But the government has built a wall of obstacles to keep citizens away from information. If democracy is to survive, the RTI will have to be saved," he said.
The Maharashtra government's notification has already triggered debate among RTI users, activists and legal experts over whether some of its provisions are compatible with the RTI Act, 2005. The changes are expected to face close scrutiny in the coming weeks as citizens and transparency advocates assess their practical and legal implications.
