Scottish man released on bail after nearly nine years in Indian prison
Jagtar Singh Johal, a Scottish man detained in India since 2017 without conviction, has been released from prison on bail after nearly nine years. His release is a significant step for him and his family, but he remains on trial in several cases that could carry the death penalty, so the legal and diplomatic campaign for his return to Scotland continues.
Johal, 39, from Dumbarton, was arrested weeks after his wedding over alleged terrorism offences. Although the Delhi High Court granted bail, he was not released until Thursday, after his family pursued a habeas corpus petition; his supporters say he must surrender his passport and faces restrictive conditions. He was acquitted last year of an allegation of financially supporting a banned group, but still faces federal charges; India denies claims of torture and says due process is being followed.
- Jagtar Singh Johal has been freed on bail after nearly nine years in an Indian prison.
- He remains on trial in cases that could carry the death penalty.
- His family and supporters are urging the UK Government to help bring him home.
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Jagtar Singh Johal is a Scottish man from Dumbarton who was arrested in India in 2017, just weeks after his wedding, on allegations of terrorism offences. He has remained detained since then in the Indian prison system without having been convicted of any crime, spending nearly nine years in custody.
Johal faces several legal cases in India that carry potentially serious penalties, including some with the possibility of capital punishment. He was acquitted last year of one charge involving alleged financial support for a banned group, but continues to face federal charges in other cases.
The case has attracted international attention owing to the length of his detention without conviction and claims from supporters of mistreatment in custody. His family and supporters have pursued legal campaigns to secure his release and return to Scotland, with the Indian government maintaining that he is receiving due legal process.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Scot’s first day of freedom after nine years in Indian jail”.