Chennai, Sep 2026 : The Tamil Nadu government has announced the withdrawal of all criminal cases registered against farmers and teachers who participated in peaceful protests between May 2021 and April 2026, citing their right to raise livelihood concerns, demand rights and pursue other legitimate grievances through democratic means.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay made the announcement in the Legislative Assembly under Rule 110, describing the decision as an initiative aimed at safeguarding democratic rights and restoring public confidence in the administration.
The withdrawal will cover 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 will also include cases registered during the prolonged agitation against the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district.
Residents of Parandur and neighbouring villages had conducted sustained protests against the airport project, expressing concerns over the proposed acquisition of fertile agricultural land, possible damage to waterbodies and the impact on traditional livelihoods. Several protesters were booked during the agitation under the previous government.
The action against some farmers had also included detention under the Goondas Act, drawing criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups and human rights activists. The government has now decided that cases related to the protests should be withdrawn on humanitarian and democratic grounds, irrespective of the legal provisions under which they were originally registered.
The administration said necessary instructions would be issued to the departments and authorities concerned to initiate the withdrawal process. Officials will examine individual cases and complete the required legal procedures before submitting applications to the appropriate courts for formal withdrawal.
The move is expected to provide significant relief to farmers who have been required to make repeated appearances before police authorities and courts in connection with protests that were organised to protect their land, livelihoods and other interests.
The government's decision also extends to teachers who participated in peaceful demonstrations during the five-year period. Teachers' associations had organised protests over a range of issues, including salaries, pensions, job security, regularisation of temporary employees, promotions and working conditions.
The government said individuals should not be subjected to prolonged criminal proceedings simply for expressing legitimate grievances through peaceful and democratic channels. It emphasised that farmers, teachers and other sections of society have the right to raise concerns and seek redress without fear of punitive action.
Chief Minister Vijay said the decision reflected the government's commitment to democratic values and its recognition of citizens' right to dissent and peaceful protest.
The withdrawal of the cases is expected to benefit hundreds of protesters across Tamil Nadu. The government believes the move will reduce unnecessary litigation, ease the burden on affected citizens and strengthen trust between the administration and the public.
Officials are expected to initiate the necessary legal process in the coming days, with the final withdrawal of cases subject to the prescribed judicial procedures.
