The court of Special Judge-II, Dharamsala, Rajesh Chauhan, has granted interim bail to former Dehra MLA Hoshyar Singh in a case involving alleged fraud and criminal breach of trust. The case relates to the purported misuse of the MLA discretionary fund.
Interim bail conditions in Hoshyar Singh fund misuse case
The court passed the order during Tuesday's hearing, directing that Singh be released on interim bail in the event of his arrest. As per the court order, Singh will have to furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and a surety of the same amount to the satisfaction of the investigating officer.
He has also been directed to join the investigation as and when required by the investigating officer. The next hearing has been scheduled for September 17.
Vigilance Bureau directed to respond in MLA discretionary fund case
The State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has been directed to file its response during the next hearing. The allegations against the former MLA centre on the misuse of funds allocated under the MLA discretionary fund, which is meant for development and welfare activities in the constituency.
"The court passed the order during Tuesday's hearing, directing that Singh be released on interim bail in the event of his arrest."
Our Take: Bail is not the end of the matter
In our view, the grant of interim bail is a routine legal step — it does not clear Hoshyar Singh of the allegations. The court has set clear conditions: a financial bond and full cooperation with the investigation. The real test will come on September 17, when the Vigilance Bureau files its response and the court examines the merits of the case.
To put it plainly, this is a case about public money. MLA discretionary funds are meant for the people, not for personal gain. Voters in Dehra should watch how this case progresses, because it speaks directly to accountability and trust in elected representatives. The court has done its part by ensuring the former MLA remains available for investigation — now the Bureau must do its job thoroughly.