Suspensions of B Ashok and N Prasanth revoked

T’puram: The state govt has revoked the suspensions of IAS officers B Ashok and N Prasanth, clearing the way for their return to service. The govt is expected to take a decision on their postings shortly.

Prasanth had been under suspension for nearly two years, while Ashok was suspended over a month ago. Both officers have been highly critical of chief secretary A Jayathilak.

Prasanth was suspended on Nov 11, 2024, for allegedly criticizing Jayathilak through social media posts. Ashok, meanwhile, was suspended in April this year after reportedly criticizing former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the state govt’s policies in television interviews. The charges against him included speaking to the media without prior permission and actions allegedly detrimental to the govt’s image.

The suspension of Prasanth, along with that of IAS officer K Gopalakrishnan on the same day, marked an unprecedented development in state’s civil service history. While Gopalakrishnan was suspended in connection with the alleged creation of a religion-based WhatsApp group, the govt later revoked his suspension. However, disciplinary action against Prasanth was repeatedly extended in phases.

Just before the end of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led govt’s tenure, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against Prasanth for a ninth time. The action was based on an article he had written in a newspaper on the state govt’s lottery sales, which authorities claimed was published without official permission. This suspension came days before his earlier suspension was scheduled to end on May 4.

Ashok was serving as principal secretary of the department of Sainik Welfare when the suspension order was issued by the chief secretary. Authorities alleged that he had appeared in multiple media outlets and made comments critical of govt policies in connection with the assembly election campaign. The govt also accused him of violating service rules by engaging and responding on social media without prior approval. The suspension order stated that his actions were in violation of the civil service conduct rules.