Tamil Nadu Government Moves to Drop Cases Against Student NEET Agitators

In a significant relief for students who participated in demonstrations against the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), the Tamil Nadu government has decided to withdraw all cases registered against them, School Education Minister A Rajmohan announced on Sunday.

The minister said the decision was taken on the directions of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, reaffirming the government's longstanding opposition to NEET and its commitment to protecting students who took part in peaceful protests.

Sharing the announcement through a social media post, Rajmohan said all cases filed against students involved in anti-NEET protests would be withdrawn. He added that the government would soon release detailed information on the process and implementation of the decision.

"As per the directions of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, all cases registered against students who protested against the NEET examination will be withdrawn. Further details will be announced shortly," the minister said.

Expressing his appreciation, Rajmohan also conveyed "heartfelt gratitude" to the Chief Minister for taking the decision, describing it as an important step in addressing concerns raised by students and their families.

The announcement comes amid criticism faced by the state government from certain sections over the registration of cases against anti-NEET protesters. The protests intensified after demonstrators took to the streets following the Congress-led CJP's protest in New Delhi over the alleged examination paper leak, with student groups demanding accountability and stronger safeguards for aspirants.

Tamil Nadu has consistently maintained its opposition to NEET, arguing that the national entrance examination places students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds at a disadvantage while undermining the state's long-established medical admission framework.

The latest decision is expected to provide relief to affected students and their families while reinforcing the government's political stand against NEET. Officials are expected to outline the legal procedure for withdrawing the pending cases in the coming days, offering clarity on how the order will be implemented across the state.