The Kerala High Court has orally criticised the State government for promoting Director General of Police (DGP) S. Sreejith before deciding on the demand for an inquiry into the appointment of two bodybuilders as Sub-Inspectors in the armed police forces.

Justice A. Badharudeen remarked that one of the officers suspected in the alleged illegal appointment was promoted in haste without the mandatory Vigilance clearance while the matter was pending before the court. The court observed that if the promotion violated any rules or procedures, it could be challenged by the aggrieved as per law. 

Previously, the court had directed the Home Secretary to approve an inquiry by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) into the complaint made by the petitioner, K.M. Shajahan, a lawyer. In this regard, the court was informed that the Home Secretary needed two more weeks to comply with its order.

However, the Bench remarked that it found the request for extension of time to be “tactical” and directed the State to consider sanction for approving the inquiry by August 10 “to avoid unpleasant remarks.”

The complaint pertains to the appointment of bodybuilding champion Chitharesh Natesan and Shinu Chovva, who won silver in the World Bodybuilding Championship.

Published – August 04, 2026 10:43 am IST