The Kerala High Court has dismissed bodybuilder Shinu Chovva’s petition challenging a Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) order which refused his request to allow him to take part in the basic training at Thrissur Police Academy.

The Division Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice S. Muralee Krishna held it could not allow his request as the State had decided to reconsider his appointment order.

Mr. Chovva, along with Chitharesh Natesan, another bodybuilding champion, was appointed Inspector in the armed police battalion of the Kerala Police in January 2025. However, their appointments creating supernumerary posts in the armed police forces had sparked a controversy, and a petition was filed seeking a Vigilance probe into the appointments.

After receiving the appointment order, Mr. Chovva had reported to the academy, produced all necessary documents and was permitted to sign the attendance register. However, he was informed that he could not participate in the basic training programme, allegedly without serving a written order. He contended that the denial by the KAT to let him participate in basic training at the academy was unjust.

When Mr. Chovva had approached KAT seeking permission to attend training, it had refused, citing that there was no provision to recruit Armed Police Inspectors by direct recruitment from outstanding sports persons. The Kerala High Court held that KAT’s decision was justified and did not warrant any interference.

Published - August 19, 2026 07:58 pm IST