What if the price of truth just went up? What if your fundamental right to ask questions, to hold power accountable, suddenly came with new rules, new fees, and new risks?

That’s the question at the heart of a major controversy brewing in Maharashtra. The state government has just rolled out new amendments to the Maharashtra Right to Information rules. They say it’s to streamline the process. But veteran anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare, the man who championed the original RTI movement, calls them illegal and is threatening a hunger strike. So, what is the issue, why is he protesting, and what are the key objections? Let’s break it down.

Published – June 26, 2026 06:59 am IST