New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday announced that his government would withdraw cases registered against farmers and teachers
who held protests during the previous DMK regime.
Addressing the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Vijay accused the former MK Stalin-led government of treating people who protested peacefully and democratically in an “inhumane” manner. He said authorities registered several cases against farmers and teachers between May 2021 and 2026. Many of those booked continue to face difficulties because the cases remain pending, he added.
Government backs protesters
“This government will stand by farmers and teachers and their just demands… This move will further strengthen democratic rights and reinforce trust between common people and government,” the Chief Minister said.
Vijay said the cases had placed an unnecessary burden on the protesters and their families. His government decided to withdraw them after considering the difficulties faced by those involved, he added. The chief minister described farmers as the “backbone” of Tamil Nadu and said they had the right to raise concerns about projects that affected their land and livelihoods.
Project protests cited
Vijay referred to protests against projects such as the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu industrial developments and the proposed Parandur airport. He said police registered cases against farmers who took part in these demonstrations and that several of the cases remained pending. The chief minister also referred to cases against teachers who protested over their demands.
“Even though teachers protested in a democratic manner, cases were filed and are still pending,” Vijay said. He said the government would withdraw all cases registered against protesting farmers and teachers during the five-year period of the previous administration.
CPI raises NEET demand
The Communist Party of India welcomed the decision but asked the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government to broaden its scope. The party urged the Vijay-led administration to withdraw cases registered against people who protested against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. These cases also involve students who participated in anti-NEET demonstrations.
PMK seeks NLC relief
The Pattali Makkal Katchi made a similar demand. It asked Chief Minister Vijay to withdraw cases against people who protested against the Neyveli Lignite Corporation. Tamil Nadu Law Minister Nirmal Kumar responded to the demands in the Assembly. He said the state government would examine and consider the requests. The government has yet to provide details about the number of cases covered by Vijay’s announcement or the timeline for completing their withdrawal.
