Kamal Ghorui
A Scottish national detained in India for over eight years is facing “psychological torture” due to prolonged uncertainty and delayed justice, United Nations experts have said, calling for his immediate release.A group of 10 independent UN human rights experts — including members of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention — said there is “no rationale” for Johal’s continued detention.In a strongly worded statement, they described the case as a “profound miscarriage of justice” and said:
- Prolonged detention without trial amounts to “unlawful suffering”
- Extended uncertainty can qualify as psychological torture under international law
- The delay has caused “intolerable anxiety and stress”
The experts have requested Indian authorities to drop remaining charges and release him without delay.
Who is Jagtar Singh Johal ?
Jagtar Singh Johal, a 39-year-old from Dumbarton near Glasgow, was arrested in Punjab in 2017, just weeks after his wedding. He has remained in custody ever since over allegations linked to terrorism and targeted killings.While Johal was acquitted in 2025 in one terror-financing case, he continues to face other federal charges.
Torture claims and India’s response
Johal has alleged he was tortured and forced to sign a confession shortly after his arrest. However, Indian authorities have consistently denied these claims, maintaining that due legal process is being followed.The UN had earlier, in 2022, classified his detention as arbitrary, a position now reinforced by the latest intervention.Johal’s case is being pursued internationally by legal advocacy groups such as Reprieve and Redress, which have urged the UK government to intensify efforts for his release.His brother Gurpreet Singh Johal has also stepped up appeals, calling the situation a “terrible injustice” and pressing UK leaders to act more decisively.The case has been raised multiple times by UK officials, but campaigners argue that stronger, high-level diplomatic intervention is needed.Johal was accused of links to the Khalistan Liberation Force and involvement in targeted killings, allegations his legal team disputes. They argue the case relies heavily on a confession obtained under duress and lacks credible evidence.Despite one acquittal, the prolonged legal process and repeated delays have kept him in custody.
