The state government of Kerala has revoked the suspensions of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers B Ashok and N Prasanth, clearing the path for their reinstatement. A decision regarding their new postings is expected to be announced shortly.
Prasanth had been under suspension for nearly two years, while Ashok faced suspension for over a month. Both officers have been openly critical of Chief Secretary A Jayathilak.
Background of Suspensions
Prasanth was suspended on November 11, 2024, for allegedly criticizing Jayathilak through social media posts. Ashok, on the other hand, was suspended in April 2025 after reportedly criticizing former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the state government’s policies in television interviews. The charges against Ashok included speaking to the media without prior permission and actions allegedly detrimental to the government’s image.
Unprecedented Civil Service Actions
The suspension of Prasanth, along with that of IAS officer K Gopalakrishnan on the same day, marked an unprecedented development in the state’s civil service history. While Gopalakrishnan was suspended in connection with the alleged creation of a religion-based WhatsApp group, the government later revoked his suspension. However, disciplinary action against Prasanth was repeatedly extended in phases.
Just before the end of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government’s tenure, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against Prasanth for a ninth time. The action was based on an article he had written in a newspaper regarding the state government’s lottery sales, which authorities claimed was published without official permission. This suspension came days before his earlier suspension was scheduled to end on May 4.
Ashok's Suspension Details
Ashok was serving as principal secretary of the Department of Sainik Welfare when the suspension order was issued by the Chief Secretary. Authorities alleged that he had appeared in multiple media outlets and made comments critical of government policies in connection with the assembly election campaign. The government also accused him of violating service rules by engaging and responding on social media without prior approval. The suspension order stated that his actions were in violation of the civil service conduct rules.
With the revocation of suspensions, both officers are expected to resume their duties, and the government will soon decide on their postings.
