Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Announces Withdrawal of Protest Cases Against Farmers and Teachers
CHENNAI: In a major policy shift aimed at fostering democratic reconciliation, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay announced on Wednesday that his government would withdraw all legal cases registered against farmers and teachers between May 2021 and April 2026.
The state government stated that the decision was rooted in humanitarian concerns and a firm commitment to democratic principles, seeking to provide relief to those who had been entangled in legal battles while peacefully advocating for their livelihoods and rights.
A Commitment to Democratic Rights
Addressing the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Vijay criticized the previous administration’s handling of civil dissent. “Multiple cases were filed by the previous government. Democratic rights were denied. Till today, they are struggling because of cases filed against them,” Vijay remarked.
He emphasized that the move is intended to reinforce the trust between the public and the state. “This government will stand by farmers and teachers and their just demands,” he added.
The decision brings relief to several high-profile protest movements. Among the cases being dropped are those involving farmers protesting against the SIPCOT industrial estate in the Tiruvannamalai district—some of whom had been controversially booked under the Goondas Act. Additionally, cases stemming from the protests in Parandur against the proposed airport project, where farmers expressed deep concerns over the loss of agricultural land and water bodies, will also be withdrawn.
Political Friction in the Assembly
The announcement sparked a heated exchange in the Assembly. Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin acknowledged the move but contested the narrative that it was unprecedented.
Stalin pointed out that during the tenure of the previous DMK-led government, more than 5,000 cases were withdrawn against individuals involved in various public agitations, including protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the three contentious farm laws, and the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.
“One Minister says this is the first time in history that cases have been withdrawn. That is not factually right,” Stalin asserted, challenging the government’s claim to being the first to prioritize such leniency.
Ongoing Labor Unrest
The Assembly session also saw lawmakers address the ongoing agitation by sanitary workers of the Greater Chennai Corporation. More than 2,000 workers have been protesting for 15 days outside the Ripon Buildings, demanding permanent employment status, wage hikes, and the provision of ESI and PF benefits for contract workers.
In response to the concerns raised, Minister Rajmohan assured the House that the government is actively engaged in finding an “amicable solution” and indicated that the necessary administrative files are already being prepared to address the workers’ grievances.
As the state moves forward, this decision to withdraw cases marks a significant chapter in the current administration’s attempt to reconcile its relationship with labor and farming communities across Tamil Nadu.
