Kerala High Court questions hiring of bodybuilders who failed physical fitness tests

The Kerala High Court has questioned the appointment of two bodybuilders, Chitharesh Natesan and Shinu Chowwa, as sub-inspectors in the State's armed police force despite failing their physical fitness tests. The court was acting on a petition seeking a Vigilance inquiry into their appointments, which were created through supernumerary posts.

Justice A. Badharudeen was hearing a statement by Director General of Prosecution T. Asaf Ali on behalf of the Home Secretary, who claimed that the bodybuilders had undergone a physical examination, failed the test, and then underwent a mandatory medical examination and police verification. However, Natesan was found medically unfit, and neither candidate was admitted to training or recommended for appointment by the police department.

The court was informed that none of the officers involved in the appointment could have committed an offense warranting a Vigilance probe, as the decision was a policy decision rather than an individual official's action. The petition was filed by lawyer K.M. Shajahan, who claimed that the bodybuilders had been appointed after failing the physical test, and that DGP S.Sreejith, Home Secretary Biswanath Sinha, and Chief Minister P. Sasi had intervened in the appointment process.