The memo says that Prashanth’s actions violated the provisions of the All India Service (Conduct) Rules 1968. The actions as mentioned in the ‘memo’ include violation of tough ethical standards, integrity, honesty and accountability; indiscipline, insubordination; irresponsible behaviour; public vilification; lack of courtesy and good behaviour; and his attempts to defend his actions through the press and social media.

While serving as Special Secretary in the Department of Agriculture, Prasanth was suspended following a report by the Chief Secretary after he publicly mocked and challenged senior bureaucrat Dr A Jayathilak vowing to continue exposing ‘misdeeds’. Reportedly, the spat started after Jayathilak had then prepared an adverse report about Prashanth. Following this, he resorted to TV news appearances and social media posts accusing Jayathilak of potentially ruining the careers of subordinates who do not comply with his directives. Prasanth's online remarks had described Jayathilak as “mentally ill”.

The memo found that the officer’s actions violated the provisions of the All India Service (Conduct) Rules 1968.