Prashanth makes no compromise during hearing; Chief Minister's decision crucial

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Chief Minister's decision is key to the return of suspended Agriculture Department Special Secretary N. Prashanth. Recently, Prashanth stood firm during a hearing with the Chief Secretary. The Chief Secretary has sent the report from this hearing to the Chief Minister.

The government is now facing a legal question about whether Prashanth's Facebook post against a senior officer breaks any rules. The state cannot simply dismiss an IAS officer, and keeping him suspended for too long could cause problems.

Prashanth was suspended last November for abusing the Additional Chief Secretary on social media. Yesterday, he shared details of the recent hearing on social media. He said that government rules and laws must be followed. Ignoring them and telling people to "go and file a case" is not fair governance. He also said that the promotion unfairly withheld from him since 2022 should be given immediately. He added that not every file should be used to ruin someone's career.

During the hearing, Prashanth raised the issue that a case should be filed against Dr. Jayathilak and Gopalakrishnan for crimes like criminal conspiracy, forgery, and tampering with government documents.