Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Court Grants Himachal MLA Hans Raj Interim Bail in POCSO Case
A politician in Himachal Pradesh, Hans Raj, who is a member of the BJP party, was given temporary protection from being arrested by a judge.
This happened because a young woman accused him of sexual abuse that allegedly happened in 2021, under special laws for child abuse (POCSO) and a new criminal law (BNS).
The judge was confused because the woman had already filed a police report last year but didn't mention the 2021 incident then.
The judge thought this was strange.
The woman also had another police report against the politician earlier this year, but she later said she didn't want to proceed with it.
The judge said that the reasons for the delay and the earlier retraction need to be looked into more.
Because of these questions about the accuser's story, the judge decided to give the politician bail for now, but he must cooperate with the police and cannot leave the country without permission.
The judge will review the case again later.
Himachal Pradesh BJP MLA Hans Raj has been granted interim pre-arrest bail by a Chamba court.
The bail is in connection with a case registered under the POCSO Act and Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The court questioned why the alleged sexual abuse from 2021 was not reported in an earlier FIR lodged by the survivor in August 2024.
The judge noted that the survivor had previously filed and then sought to withdraw an FIR under BNS sections, calling her conduct 'suspicious/dubious'.
The MLA has been granted bail with conditions, including cooperation with the investigation, and the next hearing is scheduled for November 22.
- Who
- Himachal Pradesh BJP MLA Hans Raj and the alleged survivor
- What
- Interim pre-arrest bail granted to MLA Hans Raj in a case under POCSO Act and BNS.
- When
- Bail granted on Tuesday; previous FIR lodged August 9, 2024; current FIR lodged November 7; next hearing November 22. Alleged incident in 2021.
- Where
- Chamba District Sessions-cum-Special Court, India.
- Why
- MLA applied for anticipatory bail after being booked under POCSO and BNS. The court, while granting bail, noted suspicious conduct of the survivor regarding the timing of her allegations.
Defense Argument
Court's Concerns
Reporting of Allegations
Defense Argument
The defense seeks anticipatory bail following an FIR registered on November 7.
Court's Concerns
The court questioned why the 2021 sexual abuse allegation was not included in a previous FIR lodged by the survivor in August 2024, finding the survivor's conduct 'suspicious/dubious'.
Earlier Complaint and Retraction
Defense Argument
The defense likely argues the previous FIR under BNS sections was unwarranted.
Court's Concerns
The court noted the survivor had previously lodged an FIR under BNS sections and later stated she did not wish to pursue it, leading to a cancellation report. The court stated the validity of this retraction is a matter for adjudication in the cancellation report proceedings.
Nature of Accusations
Defense Argument
The MLA denies the allegations.
Court's Concerns
The FIR alleges the MLA deceitfully took the girl to a rest house and sexually abused her, and that he later made physical relations on the pretext of marriage. The survivor stated she was below 17 and in Class 11 during the alleged 2021 incident.
- Accused
- Himachal Pradesh BJP MLA Hans Raj
- Case Type
- POCSO Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Court Order
- Interim pre-arrest bail granted
- Bail Conditions
- Furnish Rs 1 lakh personal bond and surety, join investigation, not leave India without permission, not contact victim or family.
- Next Hearing
- November 22
- Previous FIR Date
- August 9, 2024
- Current FIR Date
- November 7
