Kerala IAS Officer Prasanth Nair Seeks Transparency, Accuses Authorities of Bias
Thiruvananthapuram, April 16:
Senior Kerala IAS officer Prasanth Nair, popularly known as Collector Bro, has made a rare and bold move by demanding to livestream or record his disciplinary hearing scheduled today with Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan. The suspended officer insists that such transparency is vital in the interest of public accountability and natural justice.
Suspension and Controversy
The government suspended Prasanth Nair, a 2007 batch IAS officer, on November 11, 2023, after he publicly criticized Additional Chief Secretary A Jayathilak on social media.. At the time of his suspension, Nair was serving as the Special Secretary of the Agriculture Department.
According to the charge memo issued by the Chief Secretary, the authorities found him prima facie guilty of “public vilification of colleagues” and other conduct violations. However, Nair claims the action was a retaliatory measure for whistleblowing against corruption.
Push for Transparency
In a recent Facebook post on April 14, Nair revealed that he had written to the Chief Secretary on February 10, requesting audiovisual recording or livestreaming of the upcoming hearing. He said the officials initially accepted the request on April 4 but suddenly withdrew it on April 11.
Speaking to the media, Nair said, “They unfairly suspended me for exposing corrupt practices of senior officials.” Transparency in the process is critical since I have already faced biased treatment.”
In his letter, Nair asserted that recording the proceedings would “serve as a model of openness” and “reinforce public faith in institutional procedures.” He also cited manipulation of official records by two senior officers, which he claims is documented.
Who Is Collector Bro?
Known for his people-friendly initiatives and strong social media presence, Nair rose to prominence during his tenure as District Collector of Kozhikode, where he introduced the widely praised “Compassionate Kozhikode” campaign.
One of its most notable components, “Operation Sulaimani,” provided free food to the needy in collaboration with local restaurants and crowdfunding. The initiative received international recognition, including being selected as one of the Top 50 Inspirational Projects by ITB Berlin in 2016.
Nair is also an author, filmmaker, and lawyer. His short film Daivakanam premiered at the Cannes International Film Festival in 2018.
Awaiting Verdict
As the disciplinary hearing takes place today, all eyes are on whether the Kerala government will uphold transparency in governance or continue to shield bureaucratic power structures. Nair’s demand for livestreaming has ignited a broader discussion on the need for openness in civil service accountability.
