Vijay announced all cases filed against protesting farmers, teachers will be withdrawn. (Credits: PTI)

Vijay says will drop cases against protesting farmers, teachers filed under DMK govt

In his announcement, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay said several cases were filed against protesting farmers and teachers between May 2021 and 2026, and that many of them continue to face difficulties because the cases remain pending.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to withdraw cases against protesting farmers, teachers
  • Accused previous DMK government of inhuman treatment towards protesters
  • Cases filed between May 2021 and 2026 remain pending

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday announced that cases filed against protesting farmers and teachers during the previous DMK regime would be withdrawn. He accused the former MK Stalin-led government of treating those protesting democratically in an “inhumane” manner.

While addressing the state Assembly, Vijay said several cases were filed against protesting farmers and teachers between May 2021 and 2026, and that many of them continue to face difficulties because 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 government," the Chief Minister said.

Vijay further said farmers, whom he described as the “backbone” of the state, were booked for protests against projects including SIPCOT industrial developments and the proposed Parandur airport.

He said cases filed against farmers during their protests were still pending.

“Even though teachers protested in a democratic manner, cases were filed and are still pending,” Vijay said.

He added that, considering the difficulties faced by those booked in such cases, the Tamil Nadu government had decided to withdraw all cases filed against the protesting farmers and teachers.

Meanwhile, the CPI has urged the Vijay-led TVk government to also withdraw cases filed against those who protested against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), including students.

The PMK, too, urged Chief Minister Vijay to withdraw cases registered against people who protested against the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC).

Law Minister Nirmal Kumar said the government would take the demand into consideration.

- Ends