THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a surprise move, the government has allowed one-year leave for M Sivasanker, the former principal secretary of chief minister and who is currently under suspension. The leave has been granted for one year from last July 7 with retrospective effect.

The practice of giving leave to the under-suspension officers is usual. The leave begins from the day on which Sivasankar was removed as the chief minister’s principal secretary.

In the order issued by the Public Administration department, it is said that the leaves were granted for his personal needs
As the leaves come into effect retrospectively, he will also get the salary for the suspension period.

Following the allegations against him in connection with the gold smuggling case, a review committee headed by the chief secretary had decided to suspend Shivshankar. Shivshankar's suspension was initially extended for three months and then for another three months. Shivashankar has been questioned by the NIA three times in connection with the gold smuggling case.