Thiruvananthapuram, June 7 (APAC Media): In a significant administrative decision, the Kerala government has revoked the suspension of IAS officers N Prasanth and B Ashok, paving the way for their return to service.
The decision was taken by Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Saturday.
Fresh postings for both officers are expected to be announced in the coming days.
The decision brings to an end the disciplinary action that had kept the two officers out of service for different periods.
Both had publicly criticized the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, leading to action against them.
The decision is being seen as one of the first major administrative moves of the new United Democratic Front (UDF) government.
Why Were the Officers Suspended?
IAS N Prasanth, a 2007-batch officer, was placed under suspension on November 11, 2024, after allegedly criticizing then Chief Secretary A Jayathilak through social media posts.
His suspension was repeatedly extended, keeping him out of service for nearly two years.
IAS B Ashok, a 1998-batch officer, was suspended in April 2026 following remarks made during a media interview.
The charges against him included speaking to the media without prior permission and allegedly violating service conduct rules.
Cases Sparked Debate
The suspension of both officers had sparked considerable debate in bureaucratic and political circles.
In particular, questions were raised over the prolonged suspension of Prasanth and the extent to which civil servants can publicly express their views.
Prasanth’s case had drawn particular attention as another IAS officer, K Gopalakrishnan, was also suspended on the same day in 2024, a rare occurrence in Kerala’s administrative history.
Gopalakrishnan’s suspension was later revoked.
Return to Service
With the suspension orders now withdrawn, both officers are expected to receive new assignments shortly.
Their return marks the end of a period of uncertainty and opens a fresh chapter in their administrative careers under the new government.
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