Farm leader Arul Arumugam finally released from jail after TN govt drops charges under Goondas Act

Thirumal, Pachaiyappan, Devan, Bakkiyaraj, Masilamani, Sozhan, and Arul — belonging to various villages of Cheyyar and Uthangarai taluks — were subsequently detained in the central prisons of Tiruchy, Madurai, Coimbatore, Vellore, Cuddalore, and Palayamkottai.

The Goondas Act is generally used against hardened criminals to prevent dangerous activities prejudicial to the maintenance of public order.

Angered by the government’s decision, there was a major public outcry.

Also Read: Why have 7 Tamil Nadu farmers been detained under Goondas Act for a peaceful protest against land acquisition?

Public outcry

“Why should the government use the Goondas Act that is typically slapped on smugglers, habitual offenders, and rowdy elements on farmers who have indulged in a peaceful protest and who are struggling for the nation’s food security?” asked G Sundarrajan of Poovulagin Nanbargal, a Tamil Nadu-based environmental organisation.

“Instead of acknowledging the concerns of farmers and finding a democratic solution to their demands, the stand of the government to oppress the fundamental rights of farmers to peaceful assembly, free speech and expression is highly condemnable. The act of arrest and remand is illegal and unconstitutional,” stated Arappor Iyakkam.

As a result of the public outcry, the government, on 17 November, revoked the Goondas Act imposed on six of seven farmers. However, Arul from Krishnagiri district continued to be detained under the Act.

On 21 November, four farmers’ organisations — Joint Movement of Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Association, Cauvery Farmers’ Association, Tamilaga Vivasayigal Pathukappu Sangam, and Desiya Then India Nadigal Inaipu Vivasayigal Sangam — formed the collective called the Tamil Nadu Vivasayigalin Porattu Kuzhu and protested against the government.