Shimla, Nov. 28 -- Granting relief to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Churah, Hans Raj, 42, the local court in Chamba on Thursday granted him anticipatory bail in POCSO case. "Bail is a rule and jail is an exception," said the court of special judge, Chamba, Preeti Thakur on Thursday, while while adding, "In the matter in hand, the FIR has been lodged after a long delay of the alleged occurrence. There is no explanation in this regard. There is also no medical evidence in support thereof." "I am of the opinion that prima facie, it appears to be a case of consensual relationship, if any, between two adults which might not have worked according to the victim. In the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, this court finds that it is a fit case where judicial discretion to admit the petitioner (Hans Raj) on bail is required to be exercised in his favour. Also, there is no reasonable ground to believe that the bail petitioner would misuse his liberty or would influence the witnesses etc. or would thwart the process of law," ruled the court. In the detailed order, the court held, "Here, it appears prima facie that the FIR is a pressure tactic to force the bail petitioner (Hans Raj) to arrive on a certain settlement with her. Despite having strained relations with the bail petitioner and knowing fully well that he is a married man, the repeated sexual indulgences of the victim with him coupled with the unexplained delay in lodging FIR, at this stage, creates doubt in the veracity of the victim." The court held, "Since the victim is an adult educated lady, having sound mind, therefore there appears no question of deceiving her or inducing her into physical relation by the bail petitioner. More so, the victim despite being allegedly sexually assaulted by the bail petitioner since February 2025 has remained silent till November 2025. Having already raised allegations against the bail petitioner in the month of August 2024, the victim has repeatedly indulged herself with him in the alleged acts. By no stretch of imagination, the victim can be believed to be unaware of the consequences of her action," After getting relief, Hans Raj, said, "I have full faith in the judicial system and from day one I have been maintaining that justice will be done."...