Ending a prolonged controversy, the V.D. Satheesan-led Kerala government has officially revoked the suspension orders against senior IAS officers Dr B. Ashok and N. Prasanth, who were removed during the previous Pinarayi Vijayan regime. Both officers are set to resume their duties, with the government soon to determine their new assignments. This decision signifies a significant turnaround from the disciplinary actions taken against the officers, known for their criticism of government policies and senior officials’ operations.
The government’s move comes amidst a shortage of senior IAS officers in the state and a review indicating that numerous disciplinary actions initiated in the prior regime were deemed excessive. Dr B. Ashok, the former Principal Secretary of the Sainik Welfare Department, faced suspension just before the Assembly election results were announced. Allegations against him included breaching service rules by publicly criticizing then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and government policies without official consent, which was seen as detrimental to the government’s reputation.
Ashok vehemently opposed the suspension, arguing that a caretaker government lacked the authority for such actions and labeling it legally unsound. Previously, Ashok had encountered multiple transfers following reports of irregularities linked to the KERA project. N. Prasanth, who had been inactive for nearly two years, underwent repeated disciplinary actions, with the government initiating proceedings against him on nine occasions. His initial suspension in 2024 was triggered by social media posts criticizing former Chief Secretary Dr A. Jayathilak.
Prasanth, known for his social media presence, often responded to disciplinary measures through posts and satire. The most recent action against him involved allegations of publishing an article on the state’s lottery system in an English newspaper without prior government approval. The reinstatement of both officers reflects a significant shift in the new administration’s stance towards civil servants, hinting at forthcoming reshuffles in the Secretariat and key departments.
