TN CM Vijay Announces Withdrawal of Protest Cases Against Farmers, Teachers

CHENNAI — Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced in the Assembly on Wednesday that the state government will withdraw cases filed against farmers and teachers who engaged in peaceful protests during the previous regime.

Making the announcement under Rule 110, Chief Minister Vijay stated that cases registered between May 2021 and April 2026 against farmers and teachers staging peaceful demonstrations over livelihood, rights, and welfare issues will be dropped. The Chief Minister emphasised that his government remains committed to protecting freedom of expression and the right to protest within the framework of the law.

The decision covers farmers booked during protests against the SIPCOT industrial estate project in Tiruvannamalai, where several demonstrators were previously detained under the Goondas Act. It also extends relief to individuals who participated in prolonged agitations against the proposed Parandur airport project over concerns regarding the loss of agricultural land, water bodies, and local livelihoods.

The announcement triggered a heated debate in the House. While government allies and multiple opposition legislators welcomed the decision, DMK whip E V Velu questioned the move and alleged that the announcement carried an ulterior motive.

Former minister M R K Panneerselvam raised questions regarding whether the administration would also consider withdrawing cases registered over the past 100 days against farmers protesting for crop loans.

Speaker J C D Prabhakar intervened during the exchange, rejecting Velu's objection and ruling that the Chief Minister had made the announcement in full accordance with the Assembly rules.