Chief Minister Vijay announces withdrawal of all cases against protesting farmers and teachers in the state

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar has announced the withdrawal of all cases filed against farmers and teachers for peacefully protesting. These cases were filed between May 2021 and April 2026 for their agitation for livelihood, rights and legitimate demands.

The government has stated that this decision has been taken considering humanitarian aspects and maintaining democratic values. 

In his speech in the assembly, Chief Minister Vijay said, "During the previous government's tenure, democratic rights were taken away through multiple cases. Even today, farmers and teachers are suffering due to these cases. Our government respects democracy, so we have decided to withdraw all the cases against them on humanitarian grounds." 

He also said, 'Our government will always support the just demands of farmers and teachers.' 

The farmers' agitation against the industrial park in Tiruvannamalai and the proposed airport in Parandur in Tamil Nadu resulted in cases being filed against many people. Some farmers were even charged under the 'Gundam Act'. 

The Chief Minister said that these cases will also be withdrawn. According to him, this step will further increase mutual trust between the common people and the government. 

Meanwhile, opposition leader Udayanidhi Stalin took a dig at the decision and said that this is not the first time that farmers' cases have been withdrawn. Earlier, during their DMK government, more than 5,000 cases related to the CAA and other agitations were withdrawn. 

The Assembly also discussed the ongoing agitation by Chennai Corporation sanitation workers. More than 2,000 workers have been protesting for 15 days demanding permanent jobs, salary hike and other benefits. The government has said that they are working for a peaceful resolution to the issue.  

NDTV reports.