Chennai, September 2: The Tamil Nadu government has announced that it will withdraw criminal cases registered against farmers and teachers for participating in peaceful protests between May 2021 and April 2026.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced in the Legislative Assembly under Rule 110, saying the move was aimed at safeguarding democratic rights and restoring public confidence in the administration.
The decision covers cases filed against farmers who protested against the proposed industrial estate of the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) in Tiruvannamalai district.
It also includes cases registered during the prolonged agitation against the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district.
Residents of Parandur and neighbouring villages had staged sustained protests against the airport project, raising concerns over the acquisition of fertile agricultural land, the impact on waterbodies and the loss of traditional livelihoods.
Several protesters were booked during the agitation under the previous government. Some farmers were also detained under the Goondas Act, a move that drew criticism from political parties, civil society groups and human rights activists.
The government said the cases would be withdrawn on humanitarian and democratic grounds, irrespective of the legal provisions under which they were registered. Instructions will be issued to the departments and authorities concerned to initiate the process.
Officials will scrutinise the cases and complete the necessary legal procedures before submitting applications for withdrawal before the appropriate courts.
The move is expected to provide relief to farmers who have been required to make repeated appearances before police authorities and courts in connection with the protests.
The decision also covers teachers who participated in peaceful demonstrations during the five-year period.
Teachers' associations had staged protests over a range of issues, including salaries, pensions, job security, regularisation of temporary employees, promotions and working conditions.
The government said citizens should not face prolonged criminal proceedings simply for raising legitimate grievances through peaceful and democratic means.
CM Vijay said the administration recognised the right of farmers, teachers and other sections of society to voice their concerns without fear of punitive action.
The move is expected to benefit hundreds of protesters across Tamil Nadu. The government said the withdrawal of the cases would help reduce unnecessary litigation, reinforce democratic values and foster a more constructive relationship between citizens and the administration.
