Tamil Nadu govt to withdraw cases filed against farmers, teachers during DMK regime: CM Vijay

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay. File | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday (September 2, 2026) announced the withdrawal of cases filed against protesting farmers and teachers between 2021 and 2026, under the previous DMK regime.

In a suo motu statement in the assembly, he said the government would respect the democratic rights of farmers and teachers who protested peacefully. “The government decided to withdraw the cases on humanitarian grounds and in accordance with democratic norms,” ​​he said.

Mr. Vijay said that the Goondas Act was invoked against farmers in Tiruvannamalai district who were against the acquisition of their land for the SIPCOT Industrial Park.

“Cases were filed in an inhuman manner against the farmers who were constantly fighting against the acquisition of their land, water bodies and agricultural land as it would affect their livelihood. The cases are pending. Now the government has decided to withdraw them,” he said.

Published – 02 Sep 2026 12:35 IST