Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced the withdrawal of cases registered against farmers and teachers who staged peaceful protests between May 2021 and April 2026.
Vijay made the announcement in the state Assembly on Wednesday under Rule 110. He said the decision was based on humanitarian considerations and democratic principles.
The move is expected to provide relief to people who have faced prolonged legal proceedings after protesting over their livelihoods, rights and legitimate demands.
Vijay said his government would stand with farmers and teachers. He also said the decision would strengthen democratic rights and improve trust between ordinary citizens and the government.
Farmers’ Cases Linked to Major Projects
The announcement covers cases against farmers who protested against the proposed SIPCOT industrial estate in Tiruvannamalai district.
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Some protesters in those demonstrations faced cases under the Goondas Act, according to reports.
The government will also withdraw cases involving farmers who protested against the proposed Parandur airport.
Farmers opposing the airport project had raised concerns about the possible loss of agricultural land, water bodies and livelihoods. Many of the cases remained pending for years.
Teachers to Receive Similar Relief
The decision also covers teachers who staged peaceful protests for their rights and legitimate demands during the specified period.
Vijay said such cases had caused difficulties and mental distress for those involved. He described farmers as vital to food security and teachers as fundamental to social progress.
The government said the withdrawal reflects its commitment to democratic rights, including the right to peaceful protest.
Political Parties Seek Wider Relief
The announcement has also triggered calls for the government to extend similar relief to other groups.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) has urged the TVK government to withdraw cases filed against people, including students, who protested against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has separately appealed to Vijay to withdraw cases against people who protested against Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC).
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Tamil Nadu Law Minister Nirmal Kumar indicated that the government would consider the demand concerning NEET-related cases.
Government Says Decision Supports Democratic Rights
The Tamil Nadu government’s decision applies to peaceful protests held between May 2021 and April 2026 over livelihood, rights and legitimate demands.
The move gives legal relief to farmers and teachers whose cases were registered during the previous administration. At the same time, demands for extending the withdrawal to other protest-related cases are now under political consideration.
The latest announcement places democratic rights and peaceful protest at the centre of the Tamil Nadu government’s stated rationale for withdrawing the cases.
