'Supported B Ashok, appeared in channel interview'; Eighth disciplinary action against N Prasanth IAS

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government yet again suspended Special Secretary of the Agriculture Department N Prasanth, who is already under suspension for a year and a half. The new punitive move from the government was sparked by Prasanth’s candid interview with media channels criticising the government. This is Prasanth’s eighth disciplinary action. The order was issued on Saturday night.

The action comes a day before the results of the assembly elections in Kerala. Moreover, a review committee has been appointed to meet to review the current suspension. Chief Secretary Dr A. Jayathilak filed a charge sheet alleging defamation of the government and violation of service rules. Prasanth reacted to the new suspension by sharing a popular meme image of actor Salim Kumar on Facebook. On April 29, Principal Secretary Dr B. Ashok was also suspended on the same charge.

N. Prasanth was suspended on November 11, 2024, for criticising Dr A Jayathilak on social media while he was the Additional Chief Secretary. K. Gopalakrishnan, Director, Industries Department, was also suspended for creating a WhatsApp group of civil service officials based on religion. Although Gopalakrishnan's suspension was later withdrawn, Prasanth's suspension was extended, citing disciplinary violations. The central government extended the suspension for 6 months on November 12, 2025, as the state government said that the departmental investigation was ongoing.

At the book launch of retired IAS officer Biju Prabhakar, Prasanth had spoken out against the denial of freedom of speech to IAS officials. He also talked about existing corruption in Kerala.

📚 In an interview given to online media, Prasanth exposed the working pattern of the government and the disciplinary action taken against him.

📚 The interview that N. Prasanth conducted with B. Ashok a week before his suspension, and the remarks he shared on Facebook against Ashok's suspension, led to the new disciplinary action.

“The suspension will not stand in the court of law. I didn’t receive the suspension notice. The Chief Minister was requested to hold a hearing on the suspension. This was not considered for one and a half years. There is a lobby in the government,” said N Prasanth.