Jagtar Singh Johal, a Scottish Sikh activist from Dumbarton, has been released from an Indian prison after a court ordered his immediate release, following almost nine years in custody.
Johal, 38, was arrested by Indian authorities over alleged terrorism in 2017 while visiting the country for his wedding. He had remained in detention ever since.
Court order forces release
The Delhi High Court granted him bail last month, but prison officials did not release him, saying they were seeking clarification from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs.
On Thursday, his lawyers secured an order, with a judge directing prison authorities to release Johal within three hours or face contempt of court.
Strict bail conditions remain
Johal remains subject to strict bail conditions and is still facing proceedings in India. His family and supporters have repeatedly maintained that the allegations against him are baseless.
