A reference note on the working of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in the State of Maharashtra. Where information differs from the Central rules, the State position is noted. Readers who rely on these rules for a live application, appeal, or complaint are advised to confirm against the official Maharashtra Government Gazette or the Maharashtra State Information Commission website.

The Maharashtra State Information Commission (MSIC) is constituted under Section 15 of the Right to Information Act, 2005. It hears second appeals under Section 19(3) and complaints under Section 18 relating to public authorities under the State Government of Maharashtra. Benches sit at Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Amravati, and Nagpur, making Maharashtra one of the few States with regional benches.

• The Maharashtra Right to Information Rules, 2005 — the State Government's rules under Section 27 of the Act, covering the form of application, fees, and procedure before public authorities.
• The Maharashtra State Information Commission (Appeal Procedure) Rules, 2005 — the procedure before the Commission for second appeals and complaints.
• Section 2(aa) notifications — the State has issued separate notifications designating Competent Authorities for the Legislative Assembly and for local bodies.

Under the State rules, application fees are generally Rs 10 (check the latest notification for the current figure). BPL applicants are exempt on production of a valid ration card or certificate. Copies are charged per page at the rate specified in the rules. The fee may be paid by Indian Postal Order, demand draft, cash at the public authority's counter, or online through the State's online RTI portal where available.

For State Government departments (Revenue, Health, Police, Urban Development, etc.), file with the Public Information Officer of the concerned department or district office. For Central Government departments operating in Maharashtra (Passport Office, Railways, Income Tax, EPFO), use the Central online portal at rtionline.gov.in. See How to File RTI Online in India — 2026 step-by-step for the Central procedure.

The Maharashtra RTI Rules have seen amendments since 2005. Fees, forms, and procedural timelines may have been revised by State notification. Always confirm the current text against the Maharashtra Government Gazette at egazette.mahaonline.gov.in or the State Information Commission's website before filing.

• RTI Rules — Central, State, and Commission rules.
• The Right to Information Act, 2005 — current text.
• How to File RTI Online in India — 2026 step-by-step.
• Why RTI Applications Get Rejected — and How to Avoid It.
• Guide for applicants.

1. The Right to Information Act, 2005 (No. 22 of 2005), Sections 15 and 27.
2. The Maharashtra Right to Information Rules, 2005, as notified under the Maharashtra Government Gazette.
3. The Maharashtra State Information Commission (Appeal Procedure) Rules, 2005.

19 April 2026