RTI activists serve legal notice to Maharashtra govt, seek rollback of new RTI rules

RTI activists, journalists and former information officials have served the Maharashtra government a legal notice seeking a full rollback of the RTI Rules, 2026, escalating opposition to the state’s new information-access framework.

The notice gives the government 15 days to withdraw the rules. If the demand is not met, the group has indicated it may pursue further legal action.

Who sent the notice

According to the reporting, the notice was issued by a coalition of transparency activists, journalists and former information officials. The follow-up coverage also identified a former Chief Information Commissioner among those backing the challenge.

The group argues that the new rules weaken transparency and accountability under the Right to Information regime.

Why the rules are being challenged

The activists are seeking withdrawal of the RTI Rules, 2026 in full, not just changes to one provision. Their challenge comes after earlier criticism of the rules in Maharashtra, including a controversial clause that required applicants to disclose the purpose of their information request.

That purpose-disclosure clause was withdrawn on June 22, 2026, but the latest legal notice says the broader rule set still needs to go.

What happens next

As of the reporting reviewed, no response from the Maharashtra government had been identified.

The next key development will be whether the state responds within the 15-day window, amends the rules again or chooses to defend them if the dispute moves into court.