Chennai : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday announced that cases filed against protesting farmers and teachers during the previous DMK regime would be withdrawn. While addressing the state Assembly, Vijay said several cases were filed against protesting farmers and teachers between May 2021 and 2026, and that many of them continue to face difficulties because the cases remain pending.
“This government will stand by farmers and teachers and their just demands… This move will further strengthen democratic rights and reinforce trust between common people and government,” the Chief Minister said. He said cases filed against farmers during their protests were still pending. “Even though teachers protested in a democratic manner, cases were filed and are still pending,” Vijay said.
He added that, considering the difficulties faced by those booked in such cases, the Tamil Nadu government had decided to withdraw all cases filed against the protesting farmers and teachers. Meanwhile, the CPI has urged the Vijay-led TVk government to also withdraw cases filed against those who protested against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), including students.
The chief minister also announced the digitisation of Driving Licences and Registration Certificates. Digital RCs for newly purchased vehicles will be available across the state from September 15, 2026, while those passing driving tests will receive digital licences on the same day from that date. The digital documents will carry QR codes for electronic verification and can be downloaded and printed again if lost or damaged.
Meanwhile, the Assembly witnessed a discussion over the ongoing protest by sanitary workers of the Greater Chennai Corporation. Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin raised the issue of more than 2,000 workers who have been protesting for 15 days at Ripon Buildings, seeking permanent employment, wage hikes, ESI and PF benefits and regularisation of contract workers.
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