Tamil Nadu to Drop Cases Against Farmers and Teachers Over 2021-2026 Protests

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced in the state Assembly in Chennai on Wednesday that the government will withdraw all cases registered against farmers and teachers who staged peaceful protests between May 2021 and April 2026.

Delivering the statement under Rule 110 on the floor of the House, the Chief Minister said the decision was taken on humanitarian grounds and in keeping with democratic principles. He noted that the cases had been filed against individuals who were peacefully demonstrating for their livelihoods, rights, and legitimate demands.

"This government will stand by farmers and teachers and their just demands," Vijay told the Assembly. He added that the decisions taken by the administration were designed to protect democratic rights, improve essential services, and strengthen public welfare across the state.

The Chief Minister highlighted specific agitations that had led to police action, including the demonstrations against the SIPCOT industrial estate project in Tiruvannamalai district. He pointed out that during those agitations, several farmers had been booked under the Goondas Act.

Vijay also cited the demonstrations staged by farmers in Parandur against the proposed greenfield airport project. In Parandur, protesting farmers had raised concerns regarding the loss of productive agricultural land, local water bodies, and their livelihoods.

"All those cases also will be withdrawn. This move will further strengthen democratic rights and reinforce trust between common people and government," the Chief Minister said.

The order will apply to all cases registered across the state against farmers and teachers during the specified period between May 2021 and April 2026.