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Scottish Sikh Activist Jagtar Singh Johal Granted Bail After Nearly Nine Years in Indian Custody
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Bail Granted After Nearly Nine Years of Detention
The Delhi High Court has ordered bail for Jagtar Singh Johal, a 39-year-old Scottish Sikh activist from Dumbarton, ending almost nine years of pre-trial confinement in India. Johal was arrested in 2017 on accusations of supporting the Khalistan Liberation Force and alleged involvement in targeted killings of religious and political figures. Although he was acquitted of the terror financing charge last year, federal charges remain pending, and the bail conditions have not been disclosed.
Background and Legal History
Johal’s arrest came weeks after his wedding in the Punjab region. He was charged with financially aiding the Khalistan Liberation Force, a group linked to attacks in Punjab. In 2022, a United Nations panel classified his detention as arbitrary, citing allegations of psychological torture that Indian authorities have repeatedly denied. The Indian government maintains that due process is being observed and that the evidence against Johal is credible. His brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, has campaigned for his release, arguing that the case relies on unreliable witness testimony that was later recanted in court.
Official Statements and Diplomatic Efforts
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that concerns about Johal’s prolonged detention have been raised with Indian officials at every appropriate opportunity. Indian authorities have continued to assert that the investigation follows legal standards and have rejected claims of torture. The UN panel’s finding of arbitrary detention remains a point of contention between the two governments.
Campaigners’ Criticism and Human Rights Concerns
Human-rights advocates and Johal’s family contend that no concrete evidence has been presented and that the prosecution’s case is built on coerced confessions and unreliable witnesses. They describe the bail decision as a relief but stress that the lack of transparency around the bail terms leaves the situation unresolved. Campaigners also highlight the broader pattern of alleged mistreatment of Sikh activists in India.
Current Status and Unresolved Issues
While bail provides Johal temporary freedom, the pending federal charges mean he remains subject to further legal proceedings. The family and supporters continue to seek diplomatic representation from the UK government to secure his full release and to address the alleged human-rights violations associated with his detention.