Tamil Nadu withdraws directive to halt student protests after criticism

The Tamil Nadu government has withdrawn an order that directed officials to coordinate efforts to prevent students and youth from participating in protests organized by Left parties and the Cockroach Janta Party. The decision, confirmed on August 19, 2026, came days after the directive sparked widespread criticism and political backlash in the state.

The original order, issued by the Department of Collegiate Education on August 14, 2026, and reiterated in a communication dated August 17, had instructed the School Education Department, Higher Education Department, police, and district administrations to take joint action. Its stated aim was to discourage students and young people from joining agitations organized by the specified groups. The notice, marked "Most Urgent," also required colleges to submit reports on the actions taken to the Directorate of Collegiate Education.

The directive was withdrawn following significant political pressure. The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party governs with the support of a coalition that includes the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), both of which were named in the order. Joint Director of Collegiate...