Archive · 2 Jul 2025
Maharashtra RTI Case Backlog: Activists Sound Alarm
The Maharashtra government is struggling to keep up with Right to Information (RTI) requests, with nearly 100,000 cases waiting to be reviewed.
This means people have to wait a long time, about 3-4 years, to get information from the government.
This delay is making it harder for people to get answers, and some people think the system is not working as it should.
Activists are worried this might stop people from getting the information they need.
Maharashtra's State Information Commission has a backlog of over 98,000 RTI cases as of May 2025.
Navi Mumbai-based RTI activist Santhosh Jadhav filed an application to inquire about pending cases.
Citizens face a 3-4 year wait for hearings, hindering the purpose of the RTI Act.
The Mumbai Main Bench has the highest pendency with over 20,000 appeals.
Activists warn the backlog is making the RTI Act irrelevant due to delays.
- Who
- The Maharashtra State Information Commission and citizens seeking information.
- What
- A large backlog of Right to Information (RTI) cases in Maharashtra.
- When
- As of May 2025.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- Because of significant delays and backlogs in processing RTI requests.
Government's Position
Activist's Perspective
Effectiveness of RTI Act
Government's Position
The government may not have enough resources to process the large amount of cases.
Activist's Perspective
The RTI Act is being undermined due to the backlog and delays in providing information.
- Pending RTI Cases
- Over 98,000
- Main Bench Pendency
- Mumbai: 20,119 appeals
- Hearing Delay
- 3-4 years
- Activist
- Santhosh Jadhav
