Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced that cases registered against protesting farmers and teachers during the previous DMK government would be withdrawn. Addressing the state Assembly, Vijay said several cases had been filed against members of both groups between May 2021 and 2026. He said many of those cases remain pending, leaving the individuals involved to deal with continuing legal difficulties despite their protests being conducted democratically.

Vijay accused the earlier MK Stalin-led government of treating protesters in an “inhumane” manner and said his administration would stand with farmers and teachers pursuing legitimate demands. He described farmers as the backbone of Tamil Nadu and said withdrawing the cases would help reinforce democratic rights and rebuild public confidence in the government. The decision is being presented by the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government as a measure aimed at addressing cases arising from public protests.

According to Vijay, farmers had faced police cases while demonstrating against various development and industrial projects. These included protests linked to SIPCOT industrial developments and the proposed Parandur airport project. He said cases registered during such agitations were still pending, creating difficulties for those who had participated in the protests. The government’s decision is intended to provide relief to those facing such proceedings, although the precise legal process and scope of the withdrawal will depend on the relevant authorities and courts.

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The Chief Minister also highlighted cases involving teachers who had staged protests over their demands. Vijay said teachers had exercised their democratic right to protest but were nevertheless booked in cases that have continued to remain pending. He said the government had taken the decision after considering the difficulties faced by people who remain involved in these cases, reiterating that the administration would support farmers and teachers and their demands.

The announcement has prompted calls for the government to extend the proposed relief to other groups involved in major public protests. The Communist Party of India urged the state government to withdraw cases against people who participated in demonstrations against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, including students. The Pattali Makkal Katchi also asked Vijay to consider withdrawing cases registered against people who protested against the Neyveli Lignite Corporation.

Law Minister Nirmal Kumar said the government would consider the demand for withdrawing cases related to other protests. The issue could therefore expand beyond farmers and teachers as political parties seek similar relief for protesters facing pending cases. For now, Vijay’s announcement specifically covers cases filed against protesting farmers and teachers, marking an early decision by his government to address legal proceedings arising from demonstrations during the previous administration.

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