Scottish activist Jagtar Singh Johal granted bail in India after nearly nine years

Jagtar Singh Johal, a Scottish Sikh campaigner who has been held in an Indian prison for nearly nine years without a conviction, was granted bail by the Delhi High Court, his family confirmed on Thursday.

The 39-year-old from Dumbarton was arrested in Punjab in 2017 and accused of involvement in a string of targeted killings of religious and political figures. Despite being acquitted last year of charges related to financially supporting the Khalistan Liberation Force, he remains subject to federal charges brought by Indian authorities.

His brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, described the decision as a “really important milestone” in the long-running campaign for his release. Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast, he acknowledged that the journey had been an “expensive rollercoaster” but expressed relief that his brother could now be at liberty.

“It is a momentous moment for the family,” Gurpreet said. “His wife has been crying since this morning. Everyone was joyful; my kids went to school saying they cannot wait to see their uncle coming home.”

While the exact conditions of the bail have not yet been disclosed, Gurpreet expected that a financial deposit would be required and that Johal would need permission to leave India. He emphasized that the decision was only a “first step” and that further efforts would be needed to secure his return to Dumbarton.

Johal’s detention has drawn significant international attention. In 2022, a United Nations panel classified his imprisonment as arbitrary detention. Johal has alleged that he was tortured and coerced into signing a false confession, claims that Indian authorities have consistently denied while maintaining that due process is being followed.

Supporters argue that Johal was targeted for his blogging on alleged human rights abuses against the Sikh community. His family has insisted that no credible evidence has been presented against him, pointing to unreliable witnesses whose testimonies were later recanted in court.

Gurpreet Singh Johal had previously urged the UK government to provide diplomatic representation to secure his brother’s freedom. He described a meeting with then-Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper in December as “disappointing,” though a spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated that concerns about the prolonged detention had been raised with New Delhi at every appropriate opportunity.

Johal was previously denied bail in 2024. The family is now waiting for full details of the legal proceedings ahead.