Chennai: In a major move, the Tamil Nadu TVK (Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam) government on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of cases filed against farmers and teachers who held peaceful protests during the previous DMK government’s tenure. However, the decision triggered a fierce political battle in the Assembly, with the opposition questioning the government’s motives.
Chief Minister Joseph Vijay made this historic announcement in the Assembly under Rule 110. He clarified that cases filed against farmers and teachers who peacefully protested for their rights, livelihoods, and public welfare demands between May 2021 and April 2026 would be withdrawn. CM Vijay called this a humanitarian decision that strengthens democratic rights and freedom of expression.
This government decision will provide significant relief to farmers protesting the proposed SIPCOT industrial area in Tiruvannamalai, who were even prosecuted under the Goondas Act. Furthermore, cases filed against farmers who waged a prolonged campaign to protect agricultural land and water resources against the proposed Parandur Airport construction, and against teachers who took to the streets to press for various demands, will also be nullified.
Immediately after the announcement, opposition DMK Whip EV Velu and former minister MRK Panneerselvam questioned the government’s intentions. They demanded whether the current government would also withdraw new cases filed against farmers protesting for demands like crop loans during its last 100 days in office. However, Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar dismissed the opposition’s objections, citing procedural rules.
Opposition leader in the Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin, dismissed the ruling party’s claims, saying the previous DMK government had withdrawn cases against more than 5,000 people who protested against hydrocarbons, methane, the Kudankulam nuclear plant, the CAA, and agricultural laws. Citing the example of current minister Vanniarasu, he said the previous government had also dismissed a case against him during the Kudankulam agitation.
