Setback to the move to appoint bodybuilders in police; Administrative Tribunal stays decision

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government's decision to appoint bodybuilders in the police faced a setback. The Kerala Administrative Tribunal has granted a stay on the petition filed against the cabinet decision. With this, the appointment cannot proceed until a final decision is taken. The cabinet decision was to appoint bodybuilding contest winners Shinu Chovva and Chitharesh Natesan as inspectors.

The government's move was to appoint the winners of male bodybuilding contests, which are not competitive events in the Olympics or National Games, as armed police inspectors. Chitharesh Natesan is the winner of the International Bodybuilding Championship. Shinu Chovva won silver in the World Male Beauty Contest.

However, Shinu Chova had failed the police fitness test held a few days ago. He failed in the 100m run, long jump, high jump, and 1500m run in the test. Chitharesh Natesan did not participate. The test was held at the SAP camp. The tribunal stayed the decision as Shinu Chova was about to be given another opportunity to take the fitness test.

The police appoint those who have won medals in sports events recognised in the Olympics and National Games under the sports quota. The cabinet decision was taken in violation of this. The order stated that the appointments will be made considering the achievements of both the individuals at the national and international levels and their family background. The move to make the appointments was made by relaxing the rules and creating supernumerary posts. The rule-defying appointment move was made while the individuals who had won medals at the international and national levels were waiting for their appointments.