Thiruvananthapuram: A charge memo has been issued to suspended Agriculture Department special secretary N Prasanth IAS. The Chief Secretary delivered the charge memo on Saturday evening, citing violations of service rules.  

The memo states that Prasanth’s criticism of Additional Chief Secretary A Jayathilak constitutes a breach of service conduct rules. Prasanth was suspended for allegedly mocking senior IAS officer A Jayathilak through social media posts. Despite requests from colleagues to withdraw his comments, Prasanth reportedly continued his criticism, asserting that he was unafraid.  

Service rules prohibit IAS officers from publicly criticising the government. However, Prasanth argued that while officers are bound by these rules, there is no specific prohibition against criticising Jayathilak.  

The Chief Secretary’s memo further asserts that Prasanth continues to violate service conduct rules.