By NSB.News
The Kerala government has extended the suspension of IAS officer N Prasanth (2007 batch, KL cadre) by another six months, up to October 31, 2025. The decision, formalized through a government order issued on May 7, has sparked significant controversy over procedural lapses and lack of transparency.
According to sources, the Suspension Review Committee, which is required to assess such cases every six months under the All India Services (AIS) Rules, convened two back-to-back meetings—one on April 23, chaired by former Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan, and another on May 6, chaired by the newly appointed Chief Secretary A Jayathilak (IAS: 1991: KL), who is reportedly engaged in a power tussle with Prasanth.
While the April 23 meeting recommended revoking the suspension, the May 6 meeting advised extension. However, the final government order cites both meetings but omits any reference to the earlier recommendation for revocation, effectively sidelining it without explanation.
This selective disclosure is particularly notable because, as per AIS rules, any suspension of an officer beyond six months requires the concurrence of the central government. It remains unclear whether Kerala sought or obtained such approval in Prasanth’s case, raising concerns over procedural propriety.