Tamil Nadu to Withdraw Protest Cases Against Farmers and Teachers, Says CM Vijay

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced in the legislative assembly on Wednesday that the state government will withdraw cases registered between May 2021 and April 2026 against farmers and teachers who participated in peaceful protests over livelihood, rights, and welfare issues.

Making the announcement under Rule 110 in the assembly in Chennai, Chief Minister Vijay stated that his administration, which assumed office on May 10, is committed to protecting freedom of expression, the right to protest, and other democratic rights within the framework of the law.

Vijay noted that multiple farmers continued to face legal action over demonstrations staged during the tenure of the previous government. Among those cited were farmers who had demonstrated against the Sipcot industrial estate project located in Tiruvannamalai district. He pointed out that some of the individuals protesting that project had even been booked under the Goondas Act.

The decision is also set to benefit farmers who engaged in prolonged agitations against the proposed Parandur airport project. Protesters had opposed the airport plan over serious concerns regarding the potential loss of agricultural land, local water bodies, and their daily livelihoods.

In addition to agricultural demonstrators, the withdrawal covers teachers who were booked by law enforcement while protesting for their demands and rights. Vijay noted that facing legal proceedings had caused these teachers considerable mental distress.

Addressing the assembly, the Chief Minister said the withdrawal of these cases would help strengthen democratic rights and rebuild trust between the government and the public. He assured both farmers and teachers that the state government would stand by them and support their legitimate demands.