Kerala High Court Directs Home Secretary To Decide Plea Seeking Vigilance Probe Against Top Officials Over Bodybuilders' Police Appointments

The Kerala High Court on Friday (July 3) directed the Home Department Secretary to consider a representation seeking a vigilance enquiry against top officials including, State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar IPS, S. Sreejith IPS, Biswanath Sinha IAS and P. Sasi.

The representation was made alleging that the afore persons wereas involved in the alleged illegal appointments of bodybuilders Shinu Chova and Chitharesh Natesan as inspectors in the police department.

Today, Justice A. Badharudeen was told by the government pleader that the petitioner's representation dated April 21 addressed to the Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) was forwarded to the government on April 23 itself and the same is pending consideration before the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home department.

Recording the submission, the Court today ordered: 

"P8 complaint filed by the petitioner received on 21.4.2026 was forwarded to the government on 23.4.2026 for necessary action and sanction required for an open enquiry. Since it is noticed that P8 has been pending before the Additional Chief Secretary, Home for last more than 2 months, there shall be a direction to take appropriate decision within a period of 2 weeks and file report..."

The Court was considering a plea filed by Advocate K.M. Shajahan alleging corruption and political influence during the LDF government's tenure in Chova's and Natesan's appointments as armed police inspectors.

When the matter came up today, counsel representing Shinu Chova submitted that he had filed an impleading petition in the case. It was also told that his appointment was permissible as per Rule 39 of the KS&SSR (Kerala State and Subordinate Services Rules) Part II.

Hearing the same, the Court orally asked whether a recruitment process needed to be conducted and whether the government can appoint anyone.

In response, the counsel pointed out the example of footballer IM Vijayan's appointment.

Justice Badharudeen then orally said that I.M. Vijayan was appointed because of his performance in football. He also orally remarked that Vijayan was a star who had played for the national team and asked whether the same could be said about Chova. The Court also orally enquired about Chova's eligibility.

Chova's counsel then pointed out that his appointment is challenged before the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) and whether there is any allegations against the top officials regarding commission of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the proper remedy is to approach the competent jurisdictional court. He also submitted that the petition is challenging government orders issued in 2019, after the lapse of around 6 years.

"I am not on appointment order (P1). Whether any illegality is behind issuing P1 order? That alone is to be considered. This Court cannot consider whether or not P1 is correct...Did you join after appointment?," Justice Badharudeen said orally.

It was told that Chova joined training camp but after he went for induction class, he was told that he need not continue. He further submitted that Chova has moved the KAT aggrieved by the same and it is pending consideration. 

Last time, the Court had directed the Principal Secretary (Home) to produce the entire files leading to the appointment of Chova and Natesan. Today, in compliance with the directions, the files were produced in sealed cover. The Court then ordered the Registry to keep the same in safe custody until further orders are passed:

"For the time being, the Registry is directed to keep the same in the safe custody until further orders in this case."

The Court also allowed the impleading petition filed by Chova as there was no objection against the same.

"When I am considering the case, you will also be heard," Justice Badharudeen orally added.

The case is posted to July 17 (Friday) for further consideration.

The petition is moved by Advocates V. Sethunath, Thomas Abraham and Sreeganesh U. Shinu Chova is being represented by Advocate K.S. Arun Kumar.

Case No: WP(Crl.) 968/2026

Case Title: Adv. K.M. Shajahan v. State of Kerala and Ors.