Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stayed the recent amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Rules, 2005, which had increased the application fee for seeking information to Rs 30. The decision was announced on 2 July 2026, halting the implementation of the revised rules that were set to take effect.
Background of the Amendment
The state government had earlier introduced changes to the RTI Rules, raising the fee from the previous Rs 10 to Rs 30 per application. This move was aimed at streamlining the process and covering administrative costs. However, it faced criticism from activists and opposition parties who argued that the hike would discourage citizens from exercising their right to information.
CM's Intervention
According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, Fadnavis ordered the stay after reviewing representations from various stakeholders. “The amendments have been put on hold to allow for further consultation and to ensure that the RTI Act remains accessible to all citizens,” the statement said. The original fee structure of Rs 10 will continue until a final decision is made.
Reactions and Impact
RTI activists welcomed the stay, calling it a victory for transparency. “This is a positive step that upholds the spirit of the RTI Act,” said an activist from the Maharashtra RTI Forum. The stay is expected to maintain the current level of information access without additional financial burden on applicants.
