Johal, 39, was arrested in Punjab in 2017 shortly after arriving for his wedding and has been held on seven murder and terrorism‑related charges filed by the National Investigation Agency, which alleges he financed and facilitated the banned Khalistan Liberation Force’s attacks in Ludhiana and Jalandhar between 2016 and 2017.
A United Nations working group in May 2022 classified his detention as arbitrary, noting that he had spent eight and a half years without a clear trial timeline, a finding that has drawn international criticism of India’s anti‑terrorism procedures.
In its ruling, the Delhi High Court cited the prolonged incarceration and the slow pace of the trial – 123 witnesses remain unexamined – as grounds for bail, while imposing strict conditions including surrender of his passport, limits on communication and social‑media use, and regular reporting to the investigating officer.
Johal has consistently denied the allegations, claiming he was tortured into signing a false confession; Indian authorities have rejected the torture claims and maintain that due process was followed. His brother, Gurpret Singh Johal, welcomed the decision, calling it “a huge relief” and urging the British government to continue diplomatic support.
In related Indian news, the Indian Olympic Association announced a last‑minute change to its male flag‑bearer for the Asian Games opening ceremony after shot‑putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor’s ceremonial kit failed to arrive, naming kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat as his replacement. Meanwhile, the Delhi University Students’ Union elections concluded with the ABVP winning three of four central posts and independent candidate Deepanshu Shokeen securing the vice‑presidential seat, a result shaped by recent campus safety concerns following a deadly building collapse.