A man from Dumbarton who has been held in India without conviction since his arrest in 2017 has been granted bail by the Delhi High Court, his family have said. The decision marks what relatives describe as a significant development after almost nine years of legal limbo.
Family hopeful as paperwork begins for release
The 39-year-old, identified by his family as Jagtar Singh Johal, was arrested by Indian authorities weeks after his wedding in 2017 over alleged terrorism offences. His brother, Gurpreet, announced on Friday that the high court had overturned a previous ruling from 2024 and granted bail in relation to seven cases.
"Jaggi will be released from prison after completing the relevant paperwork. Time to bring him home."
Speaking to BBC Radio Breakfast Scotland, Gurpreet said the process of formal release could see his brother freed as soon as next week. He described the news as a "relief" after a period he called "difficult" for the family, and said that the decision represented a "major step" and a "significant moment" for Johal.
Outstanding charges and international concerns
Although Johal was acquitted last year in one case in which he was accused of financially supporting a terror group, he still faces federal charges in India related to similar allegations. A group of United Nations experts has previously characterised his detention as an example of arbitrary detention, saying he had endured what they described as a form of psychological torture.
Indian authorities have rejected claims of torture and have repeatedly maintained that due process has been followed. In the UK, senior politicians have urged a swift resolution. The source material records a call from a senior opposition figure for prompt action, reflecting continuing concern in Westminster about the length of Johal's detention.
Local impact in Dumbarton
The family’s announcement has prompted expressions of cautious optimism locally. For residents of Dumbarton, this development will be watched closely not only for its human impact on Johal and his relatives but also for what it signifies about the handling of long-running cases involving British nationals abroad.
- Arrest: 2017, weeks after his wedding.
- Bail granted: Delhi High Court decision announced in September 2026, overturning a 2024 ruling.
- Legal status: Acquitted last year in one case; still faces federal charges.
| Year / Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Arrest in India on alleged terrorism offences, weeks after marriage. |
| 2024 | Previous Delhi High Court decision later overturned. |
| 2026 | Bail granted by Delhi High Court in relation to seven cases; paperwork under way for release. |
Gurpreet said that Johal’s wife had been overwhelmed at the news. The family’s statements emphasise a desire to see him returned to the UK as soon as administrative steps are completed.
Campaigners and some international observers have framed Johal’s case as illustrative of the difficulties faced by British nationals detained abroad on long-term allegations. The UN experts’ description of his detention as arbitrary has been a headline concern, while Indian officials have continued to insist on the propriety of their legal process.
For residents in Dumbarton, the coming days are likely to be a period of close attention to developments, as relatives and campaigners seek clarity on timelines for his release and return. Any repatriation would conclude a prolonged, high-profile episode that has attracted national and international attention.
WE NEWS will continue to follow the story and report confirmed developments regarding the completion of the necessary paperwork and any arrangements to bring him back to the UK.
