Kerala Bureaucracy in Crisis as Senior IAS Officers Spar Over Justice and Accountability
A highly unusual public feud has broken out between two senior IAS officers in Kerala, drawing attention to issues of transparency, judicial respect, and bureaucratic accountability. The controversy began when retired 1982-batch IAS officer K.M. Abraham, who previously served as Chief Minister’s Chief Principal Secretary, publicly addressed a Kerala High Court order directing a CBI probe against him in a disproportionate assets case. His statement triggered a fierce response from suspended 2007-batch IAS officer N. Prasanth, escalating the dispute into a full-blown social media showdown.
Abraham’s Social Media Defense
Following the High Court’s April 11, 2025, order for a CBI investigation, Abraham took to Facebook to defend his reputation. In his post, he expressed dismay, claiming he was neither given a personal hearing nor allowed to submit a written explanation before the court’s decision.
Asserting his long-standing record of integrity, Abraham hinted at possible political motives behind the case, suggesting he was being unfairly singled out.
Prasanth’s Strong Counter
Suspended IAS officer N. Prasanth swiftly fired back on the same platform, accusing Abraham of disrespecting the judiciary by publicly challenging the court’s directive. Prasanth pointed out that during his own investigations, he refrained from public commentary, emphasizing that those in authority must accept accountability without undermining legal processes.
He further criticized Abraham for alleged double standards, recalling instances where Abraham, during his tenure, remained unresponsive to public grievances.
Social Media & Bureaucratic Transparency
This rare public clash highlights a growing trend of civil servants using social media to defend their reputations and influence public perception. While some see this as a step toward greater transparency, others worry that airing internal disputes publicly could weaken institutional trust and judicial decorum.
What’s Next?
With the CBI set to begin its probe, the case is poised to remain under scrutiny. Regardless of the outcome, the episode serves as a reminder that even retired officials face accountability, and their past actions can resurface with lasting implications.
The case is being closely monitored by civil service aspirants, governance experts, and the public, reflecting the evolving dynamics of bureaucratic accountability in India’s digital age.
