Sat Apr 26 14:55:13 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu MLA Demands Dropping of Charges Against 42 Protesters
**Erode, Tamil Nadu – April 26, 2025** – Perundurai MLA S. Jayakumar is calling on the Tamil Nadu State government to drop charges against 42 individuals arrested for protesting outside the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) office in Perundurai last July.
The protesters, including six women, staged a sit-in demonstration after the District Environmental Engineer (DEE) V. Swaminathan refused to hold a scheduled open house meeting regarding industries operating within the SIPCOT premises. Instead of holding the meeting, the DEE reportedly converted the meeting hall into his office.
The protesters, described as farmers and members of public welfare organizations, were arrested and charged under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, facing potential sentences of up to 10 years imprisonment.
In a petition submitted to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, MLA Jayakumar argues the protest was peaceful and demands the withdrawal of all charges.
First Piper 