Thiruvananthapuram: Bringing an end to a long-running controversy within Kerala's bureaucracy, the V.D. Satheesan-led government has officially revoked the suspension orders imposed on senior IAS officers Dr B. Ashok and N. Prasanth during the previous Pinarayi Vijayan administration.
Both officers are set to return to service, with the government expected to announce their new postings in the coming days.
The decision marks a significant reversal of disciplinary action taken against the two officers, who had frequently been at odds with the previous government and had publicly criticised certain policies and senior officials.
According to sources, the move comes at a time when Kerala is facing a shortage of senior IAS officers. The new administration is also understood to have reviewed several disciplinary proceedings initiated during the previous regime and concluded that some actions were excessive.
Dr B. Ashok, who was serving as Principal Secretary of the Sainik Welfare Department, was suspended shortly before the declaration of the Assembly election results. The suspension followed allegations that he had violated service rules by making critical remarks about then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, government policies and the administration's functioning during media interactions.
The suspension order stated that Ashok had responded to media queries and made comments on social media without prior government approval, allegedly violating the All India Services Conduct Rules and damaging the government's image.
Ashok strongly opposed the action, contending that the caretaker government lacked the authority to issue such an order and describing the suspension as legally untenable.
Earlier in his career, Ashok had also faced a series of transfers after reports surfaced regarding alleged irregularities linked to the KERA project. He was shifted from several key positions, including the Agriculture Department, and later served as Managing Director of KTDFFC, Local Self-Government Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Personnel and Administrative Reforms. Some of these transfers were challenged by him before the tribunal.
N. Prasanth, meanwhile, remained out of service for nearly two years and faced disciplinary proceedings on nine separate occasions.
His first suspension was ordered on November 11, 2024, after he posted criticisms and allegations against former Chief Secretary Dr A. Jayathilak on social media.
Known for his active social media presence, Prasanth frequently responded to disciplinary proceedings through posts, commentary and satire.
The final disciplinary action against him stemmed from allegations that he had written an article on Kerala's lottery system for an English newspaper without obtaining prior government permission.
The reinstatement of both officers is being viewed as a major shift in the new government's approach towards civil servants and administrative discipline.
With Ashok and Prasanth returning to service, a significant reshuffle within the Secretariat and several key government departments is expected in the coming days.
With IANS inputs