Chennai, 02 September (H.S.):Tamil Nadu will withdraw criminal cases against farmers and teachers who held peaceful protests over livelihood and employment demands between May 2021 and April 2026, the government announced on Wednesday.

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced the decision under Rule 110 in the Assembly, saying peaceful dissent should not expose citizens to prolonged criminal proceedings.

The measure covers farmers booked during protests against the proposed State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu industrial estate in Tiruvannamalai district and the greenfield airport project at Parandur in Kancheepuram district.

Residents of Parandur and neighbouring villages protested for years, warning that the airport would consume fertile farmland, affect waterbodies and threaten agriculture-based livelihoods. The previous government booked several demonstrators, while some farmers were detained under the Goondas Act, triggering condemnation from opposition parties and rights groups.

The announcement is expected to relieve protesters repeatedly summoned by police and courts over the agitations.

Teachers facing prosecution for peaceful demonstrations during the five-year period will receive similar relief. Their unions had organised protests seeking improvements in salaries, pensions, job security, promotions and working conditions, besides the regularisation of temporary employees.

The government said cases would be withdrawn on humanitarian and democratic grounds, irrespective of the legal provisions invoked against the protesters. Departments and authorities concerned will receive instructions to scrutinise the records and initiate the necessary legal procedures.

Officials will complete the formalities before filing applications in appropriate courts, whose approval is required to close pending prosecutions.

Vijay said the administration respected the right of farmers, teachers and other groups to raise legitimate concerns without fear of punitive action. The government expects the decision to benefit hundreds of people, reduce avoidable litigation and restore confidence between citizens and the administration across Tamil Nadu.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman