‘Can’t even throw shot put’: Kerala HC questions appointment of bodybuilders as Police Inspectors

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has questioned the appointment of two bodybuilders as police inspectors, asking how people who could not clear prescribed physical tests could be appointed to the police force. “Do not forget that physical beauty means physical fitness,” Justice A. Badharudeen observed. The court made the remarks while considering a petition filed by K.M. Shajahan seeking a Vigilance inquiry into the appointments of bodybuilders Chitharresh Natesan and Shinu Chova, who won a silver medal at a world men’s physique championship.

The government had issued appointment orders to the two bodybuilders, but they had not been permitted to undergo mandatory training and had not entered service, the Home Department said in a statement filed before the court. The government also said the appointments were made by creating two supernumerary posts as part of a policy decision of the previous government and that no individual government official had taken the decision.
The government argued that there was no material warranting a Vigilance inquiry and that approval for an investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act had therefore been rejected.

Counsel for Shajahan alleged that the government had backed out of the appointments fearing a corruption investigation. The petitioner also pointed out that one of those selected was 41 years old.
The court adjourned the petition to examine documents submitted by the government in a sealed cover in connection with the appointments. The court had earlier directed the Home Department to produce the files relating to the appointments.

The court also took note of the controversy surrounding the physical tests conducted after the appointments. According to the government’s statement, one of the two bodybuilders failed the physical test while the other did not appear for it.

‘Shouldn’t they be able to do the job?’

The High Court questioned the decision to appoint the bodybuilders directly as Circle Inspectors. The court noted that the rules refer to appointments only up to the rank of sub-inspector. Counsel for Shinu Chova explained that the appointment as inspector was intended as recognition of the achievements of sportspersons.
The court, however, questioned whether recognition alone could justify the appointment, asking whether the appointees should not be capable of performing the job.
The court had earlier questioned the circumstances surrounding the appointments of Chitharresh Natesan and Shinu Chova and directed the authorities to produce the relevant files.