Prasanth was suspended on 11 November, 2024, under Rule 3(1) of the AIS (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, following allegations of making derogatory remarks against Dr A Jayathilak, then Additional chief secretary and current chief secretary.
Published Jul 24, 2025 | 12:58 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 24, 2025 | 12:58 PM
N Prasanth IAS (Instagram)
Synopsis: The Kerala government has formed a two-member panel to probe disciplinary action against IAS officer N Prasanth over derogatory Facebook posts targeting Chief Secretary Dr A Jayathilak. Suspended in November 2024, Prasanth’s remarks were deemed inappropriate and divisive. The inquiry, led by Dr Rajan N Khobragade, must report in three months.
The Kerala government has set up a two-member panel to probe disciplinary actions against IAS officer N Prasanth, a 2007-batch Kerala cadre officer.
As per a govt order dated 22 July, Dr Rajan N Khobragade, Additional CS (Health), will lead the inquiry, with Tinku Biswal, Principal Secretary (Revenue), acting as the presenting officer. The panel must submit its report within three months.
Prasanth was suspended on 11 November, 2024, under Rule 3(1) of the AIS (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, following allegations of making derogatory remarks against Dr A Jayathilak, then Additional chief secretary and current chief secretary.
Despite submitting written defences in January 2025, the government found his responses unsatisfactory and has ordered a formal inquiry under Rule 8(6)(a).
Prasanth’s suspension stemmed from a series of controversial Facebook posts, which allegedly targeted Jayathilak. These posts were considered inappropriate and unbecoming of an officer of his rank, prompting disciplinary action by the government.
In the social media post, Prasanth criticized Jayathilak over alleged mismanagement in the Unnathi initiative for SC/ST welfare. He accused his superior of being “mentally ill” and blamed him for stalling the project and harming subordinates careers.
At the time, Prasanth was serving as Special Secretary in the Agriculture Department.
A report submitted by the then Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan had recommended punitive action against Prasanth, noting that his statements could negatively influence public perceptions of the integrity of the IAS officers.
“The remarks prima facie have the potential of creating divisiveness and disaffection in the Indian Administrative Service in the State that can also affect service to the public,” the suspension order said.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
