New Delhi, 18 September (H.S.): The Delhi High Court has granted bail to Jagtar Singh Johal, who has been accused of funding the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), in seven cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). A bench headed by Justice Navin Chawla ordered his release on bail.

Johal, a UK resident, has been accused of involvement in several killings and of providing financial support to the Khalistan Liberation Force. Punjab Police arrested him in 2017 under provisions of the Arms Act, the UAPA and Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code, which relates to attempt to murder.

In 2010, Punjab Police registered multiple FIRs against Johal in connection with allegations of involvement in several murders and attempts to murder. During the investigation, Punjab Police reportedly found indications of an alleged international conspiracy and subsequently transferred the investigation into all the FIRs to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Johal has been accused of involvement in the killings of retired Brigadier Jagdish Gagneja, RSS leader Ravinder Gosain and Christian pastor Sultan Masih.

Earlier, a trial court rejected Johal’s bail pleas in five cases on September 7, 2022. The Delhi High Court subsequently rejected his bail pleas in two other cases in September 2024.

Johal then approached the Supreme Court challenging the orders. On July 15, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi High Court to reconsider the bail pleas in all seven cases afresh.

Following the Supreme Court’s direction, the Delhi High Court heard the matters again and has now granted Johal bail in all seven UAPA cases. The cases concerning the allegations against him will continue separately in accordance with law.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar