Thiruvananthapuram, May 08: The Kerala government extended suspension of N Prasanth (IAS: 2007: KL) by another six months up to October 31, 2025.
The government order issued on May 7 is raising several questions about transparency and procedural propriety for it being unusual and a controversial move.
The suspension review committee, which is mandated to evaluate such cases every six months, held two back-to-back meetings, one on April 23 and another on Monday.
The meeting on Monday, chaired by newly appointed Chief Secretary A Jayathilak (IAS: 1991: KL), with whom he is tussle with, recommended extending the suspension.
However, earlier meeting on April 23, chaired by former CS Sarada Muraleedharan, reportedly recommended revoking the suspension.
The final govt order refers to both meetings but remains completely silent on April 23 recommendation, effectively side-lining it without explanation.
This omission is especially significant because, under All India Services (AIS) rules, any suspension of an AIS officer beyond six months must be backed by the Centre's concurrence.
In Prasanth's case, it is not known if the state even sought such a clearance from the Centre.
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