Did Suspended IAS Officer Prasanth Criticize Kerala Chief Secretary Over Transfer Orders?

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 10 (NationPress) Suspended IAS officer N. Prasanth has vehemently condemned the Kerala government’s transfer directive concerning Dr. B. Ashok, labeling it a blatant infringement of laws and service regulations.

In a post on Facebook, he pointed out that any IAS officer would recognize the illegality at a mere glance, mockingly referring to Chief Secretary Dr. A. Jayathilak as “George Sir.”

Prasanth asserted that only two categories of individuals could authorize such an order — those lacking basic legal or procedural understanding, or those who harbor profound disdain for the legal framework.

He claimed that over seven rules were explicitly violated, a fact now acknowledged by the court.

Given that the matter is currently under judicial review, he stated he would withhold further comments.

Prasanth’s explosive remarks followed the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Ernakulam Bench, issuing a stay on the appointment of Dr. Ashok as Chairman and Managing Director of the Kerala Transport Development Finance Corporation (KTDFC).

The Tribunal's interim order arose from a petition by Ashok, contesting the directive from the General Administration Department that removed him from his position as Agriculture Principal Secretary and Agricultural Production Commissioner.

He contended that the appointment breached the All India Service (Cadre) Rules, as the KTDFC role came with a lower pay scale than his cadre position.

The CAT emphasized that Ashok would retain his current position until further directives and instructed the state government to submit the original transfer documentation in a sealed cover.

The case is scheduled for a hearing on September 16.

This marks the second instance of the Tribunal intervening in Ashok’s transfers.

Previously, it annulled his reassignment from Agriculture Principal Secretary to Chairman of the Local Self-Government Reforms Commission.

Ashok has claimed ongoing attempts to remove him from cadre roles in violation of service protocols.

Prasanth, who is currently suspended for his previous criticism of the Chief Secretary, took this opportunity to launch a broader assault on the bureaucracy.

He accused certain officials of advancing their careers not through merit but by obediently serving those in power.

This behavior, he stated, demonstrates a contempt for the law and shows a tendency to exploit authority against subordinates and citizens, even deriving “sadistic pleasure” from such actions.

He cautioned that those who challenge such practices risk facing harassment through fabricated charges, while the continual violations by senior officials are often dismissed as “bureaucratic infighting.”

Allowing such individuals to remain employed, he warned, poses a threat to society and necessitates enhanced public oversight.