Setback for N Prashanth IAS, suspension extended for another six months

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The suspension of IAS officer and former Special Secretary of the Agriculture Department, N. Prashanth, has been extended for another six months. The action comes after N. Prashanth stood firm in his allegations and stance against the government during the hearing held on the instructions of the Chief Minister. The Suspension Review Committee, which met on May 5, recommended the action against Prashanth. The Department of Public Administration issued an order yesterday extending the suspension for 180 days, effective from May 10.

Prashanth was suspended on November 11, 2024, for making defamatory remarks against the current Chief Secretary, Dr A. Jayathilak, through social media. While under disciplinary action, Prasanth sent a legal notice against the then Chief Secretary Saradha Muraleedharan. Social media criticism against Jayathilak continued. With this, the suspension was extended for four months on January 9. The order to extend it again came as its term was set to expire on Friday.

The then Chief Secretary called for the hearing as per the Chief Minister's instructions. However, Prashanth made the details of the hearing public and reiterated that he would not back down from his position. He openly stated that there was no need to lift his suspension without resolving issues including promotion.

Prashanth responded to the government's action yesterday by posting a picture of actor Jagathy's comic character on Facebook with the caption 'To be continued'.