Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Sep 2: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday announced that cases registered against farmers and teachers for participating in protests during the previous DMK government will be withdrawn.

Addressing the state Assembly, Vijay accused the former government led by M K Stalin of treating people who exercised their democratic right to protest in an “inhumane” manner.

He said several cases were registered against farmers and teachers between May 2021 and 2026, with many of those booked still facing difficulties as the cases remain pending.

“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 the government,” Vijay said.

Describing farmers as the “backbone” of Tamil Nadu, the Chief Minister said cases had been registered against them during protests opposing projects, including SIPCOT industrial developments and the proposed Parandur airport. He said several of these cases were still pending.

Vijay also said teachers who had staged protests through democratic means were booked under various cases, causing continued hardship.

Considering the difficulties faced by those involved, the state government has decided to withdraw all cases filed against protesting farmers and teachers, he said.

Meanwhile, the CPI urged the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government to extend the decision to cases filed against those, including students, who protested against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

The PMK also urged the Chief Minister to withdraw cases registered against people who had participated in protests against the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC).

Law Minister Nirmal Kumar said the government would consider the demands.