The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has welcomed the Delhi High Court’s decision to grant bail to British-born Sikh activist Jagtar Singh Johal, who has been in detention for nearly nine years. The commission is also advocating for the release of other individuals it identifies as prisoners of conscience, urging the U.S. government to engage with Indian authorities on these cases.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that USCIRF Chair Asif Mahmood stated the organisation welcomed the bail, but noted that Johal’s return to the United Kingdom and reunification with his family remains uncertain. Bail conditions stipulate that Johal must surrender his passport and is prohibited from speaking to the media. The commission highlighted that Johal continues to face several charges that could potentially carry the death penalty if he is convicted.
Jagtar Singh Johal was arrested in Punjab in November 2017. Investigative agencies accused him of involvement in a series of targeted killings, terror-related activities, and murder conspiracies. Johal and his supporters have consistently denied these allegations.
USCIRF has described the charges against Johal as unfounded. The commission also criticised the application of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in his case, stating that its use is inconsistent with international human rights standards. USCIRF further noted that Johal had previously documented alleged human rights abuses against members of the Sikh community.
The commission asserted that Johal’s trial has been subject to repeated delays, and alleged a failure by authorities to present credible evidence against him. USCIRF cited findings from United Nations experts who have characterised Johal’s detention as arbitrary and raised concerns regarding his treatment while in custody. Johal himself has alleged that he was subjected to custodial torture and coerced into making a confession, allegations that Indian authorities have previously refuted.
USCIRF has called upon the U.S. government to press India to conduct a comprehensive investigation into Johal’s detention and treatment. The commission also seeks accountability for those responsible if any violations are established.
USCIRF Vice-Chair CeCe Heil commented that Johal’s case exemplifies what the commission perceives as a broader pattern of restrictions impacting religious minorities in India. She specifically referenced the continued incarceration of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who are also involved in cases related to the UAPA.
India has consistently rejected international criticism regarding its human rights and religious freedom record. The Indian government maintains that its democratic institutions, judicial system, and constitutional safeguards adequately protect the rights of all its citizens. Furthermore, New Delhi has defended the UAPA as an essential legal measure to combat terrorism and threats to national security.
In its 2026 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. State Department designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to alleged violations of religious freedom. The Indian government has previously dismissed such recommendations, characterising USCIRF’s assessments as biased and based on incomplete information.
The Chenab Times News Desk