Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on 2 September announced in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly that the state government will withdraw all criminal cases registered against farmers and teachers who participated in peaceful protests between May 2021 and April 2026. The decision, made under Rule 110, covers cases filed in connection with demonstrations over livelihood, rights, and other legitimate demands during the previous administration.

Key Developments

The withdrawal covers two major agitations from the previous government's tenure. Cases filed against farmers who opposed the proposed State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) industrial estate in Tiruvannamalai district will be dropped. Similarly, cases arising from the prolonged protests against the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district will also be withdrawn.

Residents of Parandur and surrounding villages had sustained their agitation against the airport project, arguing it would result in the acquisition of fertile agricultural land, damage waterbodies, and destroy traditional livelihoods. Several protesters were booked by the previous government during that period. Notably, some farmers were detained under the Goondas Act — a move that drew sharp criticism from political parties, civil society organisations, and human rights activists at the time.

What the Government Said

The Vijay administration stated that the cases would be withdrawn on humanitarian and democratic grounds, irrespective of the specific legal provisions under which they were originally registered. CM Vijay said the government recognised the right of farmers, teachers, and other citizens to raise legitimate grievances through peaceful, democratic means without fear of punitive action.

The government added that withdrawing these cases would strengthen democratic values, reduce unnecessary litigation, and foster a more constructive relationship between citizens and the administration. Necessary instructions are to be issued to the relevant departments and authorities to initiate the withdrawal process.

Teachers Also Covered

The announcement extends to teachers who participated in peaceful demonstrations during the same five-year period. Teachers' associations had organised protests over issues including salaries, pensions, job security, regularisation of temporary employees, promotions, and working conditions. The government maintained that prolonged criminal proceedings should not be the consequence of raising legitimate concerns through lawful protest.

Process and Next Steps

Officials will examine the individual cases and complete the required legal formalities before applications are submitted to the appropriate courts. The decision is expected to provide relief to hundreds of protesters across Tamil Nadu who have been making repeated court and police appearances in connection with these cases.

This move signals a sharp departure from the approach of the previous administration and is being seen as an early assertion of the Vijay government's intent to reset the state's relationship with its farming and teaching communities.