Chennai, Aug 2
The Tamil Nadu government has decided to withdraw cases registered against students who took part in protests against the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), School Education Minister Rajmohan announced on Sunday.
The decision, taken on the directions of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, is expected to provide relief to students facing criminal proceedings over their participation in anti-NEET demonstrations held across the State.
In a post on X, Rajmohan said all cases registered against students in connection with the protests would be withdrawn. The government is expected to issue detailed instructions on the procedure and the cases that would come under the decision.
The announcement follows a fresh wave of protests against NEET in Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country. Students and youth organisations have organised demonstrations demanding changes to the medical entrance examination system and raising concerns over its impact on aspirants.
Tamil Nadu witnessed rallies, sit-ins and flash protests at several locations. In Chennai, protesters held a continuous agitation at Balan Illam, the State headquarters of the Communist Party of India (CPI). Police intervened at some places after protesters resorted to road blockades, leading to detentions and registration of cases.
The protests were part of wider demonstrations across the country. Thousands of students and youth had gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi last week, raising demands related to NEET and the examination system.
Tamil Nadu has been at the forefront of opposition to NEET for several years. Political parties and student organisations in the State have maintained that a common national entrance examination disadvantages students from rural areas, economically weaker families and those studying under the State Board syllabus.
Following the Minister’s announcement, officials are expected to identify and examine cases registered at police stations across Tamil Nadu before beginning the formal process of withdrawal.
A detailed government order specifying the number and nature of cases covered by the decision is expected shortly.
