'First suspension in my life', did not violate rules, says N Prasanth

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Agriculture Department special secretary N Prasanth told the media that he had not violated any rules to receive a suspension. He was speaking to the media before receiving the suspension order.

"This is the first suspension in my life. I believe in the Constitution. Freedom of speech also means the right to express dissent. I'll clarify other matters after receiving the order," he said.

"This is the first suspension I've received in my life. I studied in the law college for five years. I did not get any suspension even while studying there. I believe in the greatness of the Constitution. My opinion is that there is nothing wrong in saying what one feels is right. I have not violated any rules till now. There are many expressions in the Malayalam language, especially those related to cinema. I only used one such expression," Prasanth said.

"Freedom of speech doesn't mean you have to speak to please everyone. You have the right to object. I have not seen any documents related to the suspension. I'll talk about other things after getting the order. I have the right to tell the truth. No one should corner me for that. Let me go and collect the order," he added.

The government took action against Prasanth after he made personal remarks against Additional Chief Secretary Dr A. Jayathilak through social media. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took the action based on the report submitted by Chief Secretary Sharada Muraleedharan.