Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Delhi High Court Grants Bail to Jagtar Singh Johal
Jagtar Singh Johal is a British national who has been held in India for more than eight years.
He faces seven cases involving India’s anti-terror law.
Prosecutors say he was connected to killings and attempted killings in Punjab.
They also accuse him of links to the Khalistan Liberation Force.
Johal denies the allegations.
The Delhi High Court said his trials were moving too slowly and might not finish soon.
The court therefore allowed him to leave custody while the cases continue.
He must follow strict rules, such as giving up his passport and reporting to investigators.
He is also barred from sharing certain material online or contacting witnesses.
The Delhi High Court granted Jagtar Singh Johal bail in seven cases under India’s anti-terror law after more than eight years in custody.
The court said the trials had not progressed sufficiently and were unlikely to conclude soon.
The National Investigation Agency alleges Johal was involved in targeted killings and attempted killings in Punjab during 2016–2017 and linked him to the Khalistan Liberation Force.
Johal denies the allegations, while the UK has raised concerns about his prolonged detention and called for a full investigation into his allegations of torture.
His bail conditions include surrendering his passport, posting a Rs 500,000 bond with two sureties, reporting fortnightly, and avoiding prohibited social-media activity.
- Who
- British national Jagtar Singh Johal, India’s National Investigation Agency, the Delhi High Court, and the UK government.
- What
- The Delhi High Court granted Johal bail in seven anti-terror cases investigated by the National Investigation Agency.
- When
- Friday, after more than eight years in custody; he was arrested in November 2017.
- Where
- The Delhi High Court in India; the alleged offences occurred in Ludhiana and Jalandhar districts of Punjab.
- Why
- The court said the trials had not progressed adequately and were unlikely to conclude soon, while imposing conditions to address flight risk and protect the proceedings.
Court and Defence Position
Prosecution and Detention Concerns
Length and pace of proceedings
Court and Defence Position
The Delhi High Court said Johal had spent more than eight years in custody and that the trials were not likely to conclude soon, making continued detention unjustified.
Prosecution and Detention Concerns
The National Investigation Agency opposed bail while Johal faced trial for serious terrorism-related offences.
Nationality and flight risk
Court and Defence Position
The court said foreign nationality alone was not enough to deny bail and imposed conditions including passport surrender, regular reporting, and restrictions on travel.
Prosecution and Detention Concerns
The agency argued that Johal’s foreign nationality made him a flight risk.
Allegations and detention
Court and Defence Position
Johal denies the allegations, and the UK has called for faster progress and a full investigation into his allegations of torture.
Prosecution and Detention Concerns
The agency alleges that Johal was involved in targeted killings, encouraged terrorism and separatism, and was linked to the Khalistan Liberation Force.
- Bail scope
- Seven cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and related charges
- Custody
- More than eight years, following his arrest in November 2017
- Allegations
- Targeted killings and attempted killings in Punjab during 2016–2017
- Prosecution claim
- The National Investigation Agency alleges Johal was linked to the Khalistan Liberation Force
- Bail bond
- Rs 500,000 personal bond with two sureties of the same amount
- Reporting conditions
- Johal must provide contact details, keep one phone or landline switched on, and report to investigators, including once every fortnight
- Additional development
- A Punjab court acquitted Johal in one related case in March 2025
