Cases Filed Between May 2021 and April 2026 to Be Withdrawn
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has taken a key decision regarding cases registered against farmers and teachers. Speaking in the Assembly on Wednesday, he announced that all cases filed between May 2021 and April 2026 in connection with peaceful protests over livelihoods, rights, and legitimate demands would be withdrawn.
The government said the decision was taken on humanitarian grounds and in accordance with democratic principles. CM Vijay alleged that the previous government had registered a large number of cases against farmers and teachers. He said these cases had affected their democratic rights and caused significant difficulties in their lives.
Government to Support Farmers and Teachers
CM Vijay made it clear that his government would stand by the legitimate demands of farmers and teachers. He specifically referred to the protests by farmers in Tiruvannamalai district against the proposed industrial estate.
According to Vijay, cases were registered against some of the farmers who participated in those protests, including cases filed under the Goondas Act. He said such cases would also be considered for withdrawal as part of the government’s decision.
Parandur Airport Protest Cases Also to Be Withdrawn
The Chief Minister also announced that cases related to farmers’ protests against the proposed airport at Parandur would be withdrawn.
Farmers had opposed the airport project, expressing concerns that its construction could result in the loss of agricultural land, water resources, and livelihoods. Vijay said the concerns raised by the farmers had to be viewed from a humanitarian and democratic perspective.
Move Aimed at Strengthening Democratic Rights
CM Vijay said the withdrawal of cases against farmers and teachers would help strengthen democratic rights and increase trust between the people and the government.
He emphasized that people should be able to peacefully raise their concerns and press for legitimate demands without facing unnecessary legal difficulties.
DMK Reacts to Vijay’s Announcement
However, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) reacted to the Chief Minister’s announcement, stating that this was not the first time cases against farmers had been withdrawn.
DMK leaders pointed out that during the party’s tenure in government, more than 5,000 cases registered against people who participated in various protests had been withdrawn.
Stalin Highlights Previous Case Withdrawals
DMK leader M.K. Stalin said his government had previously withdrawn cases filed against protesters involved in demonstrations against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the three farm laws, and the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.
The DMK argued that the withdrawal of cases against protesters had already been undertaken during its tenure and sought to highlight its previous decisions on the issue.
