The Tamil Nadu government has withdrawn an earlier directive that called for coordinated action to discourage students and young people from taking part in protests and agitation programmes organised by Left-wing parties and the Tamil Nadu Cockroach Janata Party.
The move comes after the directive triggered strong criticism, particularly over its reference to protests organised by Left parties and the Tamil Nadu Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The withdrawal was communicated in an order issued on Tuesday, bringing an end to the department’s 17 August communication on the matter.
Earlier directive sought coordinated action
The earlier communication from the Directorate of Collegiate Education had asked several government departments and local authorities to work together to prevent students and youth from participating in political protests and agitation programmes.
The School Education Department, Higher Education Department, Police Department and district administration had been directed to coordinate their efforts and take appropriate measures in this regard.
Officials were also instructed to discourage participation by students and young people and submit reports detailing the action taken by the respective authorities.
The directive had specifically covered protests and agitation programmes organised by Left-wing parties and the Tamil Nadu Cockroach Janata Party.
Order issued to government college principals
The latest order, issued by Joint Director of Collegiate Education Cynthia Selvi P, formally stated that the department’s earlier communication dated 17 August, 2026, concerning the issue had been withdrawn.
The order was addressed to the principals of all Government Arts and Science Colleges across Tamil Nadu.
With the withdrawal, the earlier instruction seeking coordinated intervention by government departments and district authorities is no longer in force.
Directive had involved multiple departments
The original communication had proposed a coordinated approach involving authorities responsible for education, policing and district administration.
Under the directive, these departments were expected to work jointly to discourage students and youth from joining political demonstrations and agitation programmes. They were also asked to take appropriate action where necessary and document the steps taken.
The directive therefore placed the issue beyond the administration of individual colleges, involving multiple arms of the state government and district-level authorities.
Withdrawal follows 17 August communication
The timeline is significant. The Directorate’s earlier communication was dated 17 August, while the order withdrawing it was issued on Tuesday.
The withdrawal means that principals of government arts and science colleges have now been formally informed that the previous communication should no longer be acted upon.
The latest order does not provide further details on why the 17 August directive was withdrawn.
