Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced the withdrawal of police cases filed against protesting farmers and teachers during the previous DMK regime. The announcement was made on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, in the state Assembly via a suo motu statement under Rule 110 of the Legislative Assembly.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay stated, "The government has decided to withdraw all those cases on humanitarian grounds and based on democratic principles." The cases were registered between May 2021 and April 2026 against individuals who participated in peaceful protests for their livelihoods, rights, and demands. The exact number of cases to be withdrawn or the total number of individuals affected by this decision is not specified, and a comprehensive list of all protests covered by this withdrawal is not exhaustively detailed.
The withdrawal targets agitations concerning key regional grievances. Specific protests mentioned by the government include farmers opposing the proposed Parandur airport project and the SIPCOT industrial park expansion in Tiruvannamalai district. Some farmers involved in these protests were reportedly booked under the Goondas Act during the previous administration. CM Vijay criticized the former M.K. Stalin-led government for treating peaceful protesters in an inhumane manner. The TVK government had recently dropped the Parandur airport project in response to local opposition. Necessary instructions will be issued to the concerned departments to examine cases and complete legal formalities for their withdrawal.
Chief Minister Vijay referenced the 1967 government formed by C.N. Annadurai and the 1977 government by M.G. Ramachandran as administrations for the common people, positioning his 2026 government in a similar populist and democratic tradition. Previous administrations in Tamil Nadu have also withdrawn cases against protesters, suggesting this is a recurring practice in the state's political landscape.
Senior DMK leader TKS Elangovan downplayed the political significance of CM Vijay's decision, calling it standard administrative practice. Elangovan noted that previous administrations, including the DMK, have taken similar steps. He explained that while police often register cases for property damage during agitations, governments generally do not press those charges once the underlying reasons for the protests are resolved. Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has urged the TVK government to also withdraw cases filed against those who protested against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
For farmers and teachers in Tamil Nadu, the withdrawal of cases provides significant relief from ongoing legal proceedings, potentially removing the burden of court appearances and police scrutiny. For the Tamil Nadu government, the policy shift aims to foster trust with citizens, uphold democratic rights, and reduce social unrest stemming from past agitations.
