Shimla : As the Supreme Court dismissed the corruption case against Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, the veteran Congress leader's critics have been silenced.

Tuesday's verdict is seen as a setback for the opposition Bharatya Janata Party (BJP), which has been attacking Singh ever since the case was registered years ago. Singh was serving an earlier term as chief minister at that time.

Singh had been charged along with three state government officials of favouring a private firm, Sagar Katha Udyog, by allotting 25 percent 'khair' wood quota without the approval of the cabinet.

Singh and the officials had also been accused of changing the original file noting, which amounted to criminal breach of trust, forgery and cheating.

Political observers say the verdict is also likely to strengthen his position within the Congress.

There are two factions in the Congress, one led by Singh and the other by Power Minister Vidya Stokes.

In the past few months, Vijay Singh Mankhotia, former tourism minister and Congress legislator, had accused Singh and his personal staff of corruption. The Supreme Court verdict is also expected to put and end to Mankotia's tirades.

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