A coalition of prominent legal figures has urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to intervene in the ongoing and highly contentious prosecution of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British national who has spent nearly eight years incarcerated in India. The campaign, spearheaded by former Attorney General Dominic Grieve and three other respected lawyers, asserts that the continuing legal actions against Johal violate the principle of double jeopardy, which prohibits an individual from being tried twice for the same offence.
Background on Jagtar Singh Johal’s Case
Jagtar Singh Johal, a resident of Dumbarton, was detained in Punjab in 2017 while attending his wedding. His family alleges that he was forcibly taken by unidentified individuals in an unmarked vehicle. Initially charged with terrorism, Johal was acquitted of these charges in March 2025. The Punjab court concluded that the prosecution had utterly failed to provide credible evidence, despite having seven years to build its case.
However, despite this legal victory, Johal remains embroiled in eight additional cases initiated by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). These new charges rely on a “confession” Johal reportedly signed under duress, claiming he was tortured and threatened with death during his detention. Supporters argue that these charges are fundamentally duplicative of the earlier case and should therefore be dismissed.
Legal Experts Urge Action
The letter to Starmer, which has garnered significant attention, highlights the legal and ethical obligations of the UK government regarding Johal’s situation. Alongside Grieve, the correspondence is signed by notable figures such as Lady Helena Kennedy, Dame Elish Angiolini, and Geoffrey Robertson KC. They assert that the UK should formally request the Indian authorities to drop the remaining charges against Johal, arguing that it is a matter of fairness and justice.
The signatories emphasise that double jeopardy is a well-established principle in international law and should be respected by all legal systems, including India’s. They contend that asking for Johal’s release would demonstrate respect for Indian legal norms while upholding international standards of justice.
The Broader Implications of the Case
Johal’s brother, Gurpreet, who continues to advocate for his brother’s release from Dunbarton, has voiced his frustration over the legal proceedings. He describes the ongoing process as a “rigged game,” designed to punish Johal for his activism, particularly his work highlighting human rights abuses affecting the Sikh community in India. He criticises the repeated delays in court proceedings, alleging that they are a tactic to prolong his brother’s suffering.
Gurpreet urges Prime Minister Starmer to recognise the nature of these legal proceedings as unjust and arbitrary. He insists that the Prime Minister has the knowledge and authority to act and is calling for decisive leadership to bring his brother home.
Why it Matters
The case of Jagtar Singh Johal is emblematic of broader issues concerning human rights and the rule of law on an international scale. It raises critical questions about the responsibilities of governments to protect their citizens abroad, especially in instances where legal systems may not adhere to international standards. The response of the UK government could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, reinforcing the importance of human rights advocacy and the protection of individuals against arbitrary detention. As the campaign for Johal gains momentum, it underscores the urgent need for global cooperation in safeguarding human rights and ensuring justice for all.
