CHENNAI, Sept. 3 -- Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday announced that cases registered by the previous government against farmers and teachers will be withdrawn, asserting this would further strengthen democratic rights and deepen the trust between the ordinary people and the government, even as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) downplayed the move's significance claiming it was standard administrative practice. In an announcement under Rule 110, the chief minister said: "This government will stand as a pillar of support for farmers and teachers (who took part in peaceful protests) and to their legitimate demands. This action will further strengthen democratic rights and reinforce trust between the common people and the government." "Respecting people's right to freedom of expression, right to protest and democratic rights, this government is ensuring an environment where citizens can put forward their demands within the framework of the law," Vijay said....