Maharashtra Information Commission Disposes Over 1 Lakh RTI Appeals
In an 18-month period, Maharashtra's information commission has resolved over 1 lakh RTI appeals, highlighting ongoing challenges in public record access.
Maharashtra's information commission cleared 1,06,122 RTI appeals and complaints from April 2025 to September 2026.
Mumbai accounted for a significant portion, with 36,911 appeals and 3,620 complaints resolved.
The commission faces staffing challenges and emphasizes the need for proactive information disclosure.
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Information Commission has successfully resolved a total of 1,06,122 second appeals and complaints during the period from April 2025 to September 2026. This substantial clearance effort is particularly notable in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which accounted for a significant share of the resolved cases. Despite this achievement, the figures underscore the persistent challenge of ensuring timely access to public records for citizens, who rely on the Right to Information (RTI) Act to obtain necessary documents from various civic bodies and state departments.
During this 18-month timeframe, the Mumbai headquarters and the Brihanmumbai benches collectively disposed of 36,911 second appeals and 3,620 complaints. The Konkan bench, which serves districts like Thane and Palghar, contributed by clearing 6,601 appeals and 1,616 complaints. These figures highlight the heavy workload faced by the commission, particularly in urban areas with dense populations and numerous government offices.
State Chief Information Commissioner Rahul Pande met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on RTI Day, commemorating 21 years of the RTI Act. Pande presented a briefing on the commission's performance and emphasized the importance of proactive disclosures under the Act. CM Fadnavis praised the disposal performance as unprecedented and urged for increased use of technology, including artificial intelligence, to manage the growing caseload effectively. The key concern remains whether these efforts will lead to quicker access to information for citizens.
The Mumbai headquarters alone dealt with 28,509 second appeals and 2,857 complaints, while the Brihanmumbai bench resolved 8,402 appeals and 763 complaints. The commission continues to face significant pressure, with a backlog of pending appeals and complaints. As of March 31, 2025, the Mumbai headquarters had 19,554 appeals and 3,099 complaints pending, indicating the ongoing challenges in meeting the demands of RTI users.
Looking ahead, the commission aims to enhance its operational efficiency through the adoption of advanced technologies. Pande highlighted the need for timely hearings and accessible case-status information. The commission's efforts to improve proactive disclosures and address staffing shortages will be crucial in determining whether citizens can obtain information without resorting to repeated appeals. As the commission continues its clearance drive, the effectiveness of these measures will be closely monitored by RTI users across Maharashtra.
