Delhi HC grants bail to UK national Jagtar Singh Johal in 7 NIA cases after 8 years in custody
Delhi HC Grants Bail to UK National Jagtar Singh Johal
Bharatmorning.com – Delhi HC grants bail to UK national Jagtar Singh Johal in seven National Investigation Agency cases after he spent more than eight years in custody. The Delhi High Court said the trials were unlikely to conclude soon and set aside earlier orders denying him bail.
A Division Bench of Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja granted bail to Johal, a British national, while making his release subject to detailed conditions. The order relates to bail during the pending criminal proceedings and does not decide the allegations in the cases.
Why the Delhi High Court Granted Bail
The court considered the length of Johal’s custody and the expected duration of the trials. He had remained in detention for over eight years while the seven NIA cases continued before the courts.
Delhi HC grants bail to UK national Johal after overturning the trial court orders that had previously refused his request. The High Court balanced the prolonged detention with safeguards intended to ensure his presence and cooperation throughout the proceedings.
Bond, Passport and Contact Details
Johal must furnish a personal bond of ₹5 lakh and provide two sureties of the same amount. He must surrender his passport if he has one, or file an affidavit stating that he does not possess a passport.
He may use only one mobile number and/or one landline connection during the trial. The number must remain active, and he must give his residential address, telephone details and email address to the investigating officer and the trial court.
If he plans to change his residence or contact information, he must provide written notice at least seven days in advance. These conditions are intended to keep the court and investigators informed of his whereabouts while the cases remain pending.
Attendance and Witness Restrictions
Johal has been directed to cooperate with the trial and attend every hearing unless his appearance is specifically exempted by the court. He must not take steps that delay the proceedings.
The bail terms bar him from directly or indirectly contacting prosecution witnesses, protected witnesses, complainants or other people acquainted with the facts of the cases. He is also prohibited from threatening, pressuring or attempting to influence any witness.
He cannot interfere with evidence, including records, documents, devices or electronic material connected with the investigations and pending trials.
Limits on Media and Social-Media Activity
The Delhi High Court has restricted Johal from making public comments on the merits of the cases, evidence, witnesses or ongoing trials through print, electronic media or social-media platforms.
He must not participate in activity that could affect public order or compromise the judicial process. The court also prohibited him from joining online groups used to upload, circulate or promote material described in the order as “anti-national material.”
Johal must provide an undertaking before the trial court that he will follow the social-media restrictions imposed as part of his bail conditions.
He is further barred from uploading, sharing, distributing or circulating such material. In addition, he must report to the investigating officer once every fortnight.
What the Bail Order Means for the Pending NIA Cases
Delhi HC grants bail to UK national Johal only for the period while the seven NIA cases proceed through trial. Bail does not amount to an acquittal or a final finding on the allegations.
The order allows him to remain outside custody as long as he follows the conditions set by the court. Any alleged breach of those conditions can be placed before the court and may affect the continuation of bail.
FAQ: Jagtar Singh Johal Bail Order
How many NIA cases does the bail order cover?
The Delhi High Court granted Jagtar Singh Johal bail in seven cases being investigated by the National Investigation Agency.
Can Johal leave India under the bail order?
He must surrender his passport if he has one. If he does not possess a passport, he must file an affidavit confirming that position.
Does the bail order end the criminal cases?
No. The trials remain pending. The order concerns Johal’s release from custody subject to conditions while those proceedings continue.
How often must Johal report to investigators?
He must report to the investigating officer once every fortnight, in addition to complying with the court’s attendance, address and communication requirements.