Big Relief for Farmers: Tamil Nadu to Withdraw Cases Filed During Previous Regimes

Chennai, September 2, 2026: Tamil Nadu government has announced its decision to withdraw cases registered against farmers during previous regimes when they participated in peaceful protests to press for their legitimate demands.

Chief Minister Thiru. C. Joseph Vijay made the announcement in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Wednesday under Rule 110, stating that the decision was being taken on humanitarian grounds and in keeping with democratic principles.

Chief Minister said the government was committed to protecting the people’s right to freedom of expression, the right to protest and other democratic rights, while ensuring that citizens could raise their demands within the framework of the law.

According to the announcement, numerous cases were registered against farmers between May 2021 and April 2026 for participating in protests related to livelihood, rights and social welfare issues. The government said many of those cases continue to cause hardship to the affected individuals.

Cases Against Farmers

The government highlighted several instances involving farmers. Cases remain pending against farmers who participated in various protests to press their demands, including demonstrations against the proposed SIPCOT industrial estate in Tiruvannamalai district. The announcement also noted that the Goondas Act had been invoked against some farmers involved in those protests.

The Chief Minister also referred to the continuing protests by farmers in Parandur against the proposed new airport project. Farmers have opposed the project citing concerns over its potential impact on agricultural lands, water bodies and livelihoods. Cases registered against protesters during the previous regime are still pending, the government said.