Parliamentarians Push for David Lammy’s Involvement to Secure British Citizen’s Release from Indian Detention | International Affairs

On Thursday, the Indian Supreme Court deferred the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh man imprisoned in India for seven years, possibly until after the summer. This has led to calls for the UK government to intervene. The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, is set to meet Johal’s brother again next week. Johal was acquitted of all charges in March in a case that mirrors accusations in federal courts, yet he remains unreleased. Since his arrest in November 2017, he’s accused of being a member of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and allegedly providing funds for terrorist activities. Johal denies these charges and claims he was forced to confess through torture. A UN working party has labeled his detention as arbitrary. A letter signed by 117 cross-party MPs and peers urges Lammy for diplomatic pressure for Johal’s release, indicating that his case could set a precedent for others in similar situations under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. Reprieve, a campaign group, highlights the risk of double jeopardy in Johal’s continued detention and calls for decisive action from the UK government.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/may/01/mps-urge-david-lammy-intervene-british-man-jail-india-jagtar-singh-johal