UN Experts Condemn Prolonged Detention of British Sikh Activist Jagtar Singh Johal

United Nations human rights experts have issued a strongly worded condemnation of the continued detention of British Sikh national and human rights defender Jagtar Singh Johal, describing his eight-and-a-half-year imprisonment in India without a clear path to trial as "arbitrary" and potentially amounting to psychological torture.

Johal, who was arrested in Punjab in November 2017 shortly after traveling to India for his wedding, has now spent over 3,089 days in custody, with legal proceedings still unresolved. UN experts say the prolonged detention raises serious concerns about due process, misuse of counter-terrorism laws, and adherence to international human rights standards.

"Eight and a half years of arbitrary detention without a clear path to trial is not justice—it is unlawful suffering," the experts said. "The prolonged uncertainty alone is a form of psychological torture."

Arrest, Allegations of Torture, and Contested Charges

According to UN findings, Johal was allegedly abducted by hooded men—later identified as police officers—and held incommunicado for 10 days at an undisclosed location. During this period, he is reported to have been subjected to severe mistreatment, including:

• Electric shocks

• Stress positions

• Sleep deprivation

• Threats of execution

Following his detention, Johal was charged in multiple terrorism-related cases, some carrying the death penalty. UN experts have raised alarm that key elements of the prosecution may rely on confessions allegedly obtained under torture, a practice strictly prohibited under international law.

In March 2025, a court acquitted Johal in one of the cases, citing a lack of credible evidence. However, he remains in custody, facing additional charges that observers say are substantially similar.

"The fact that he was acquitted, yet still faces near-identical charges, raises serious concerns about double jeopardy, the presumption of innocence, and the integrity of the judicial process," the experts noted.

Deteriorating Conditions and Rights Concerns

Recent reports suggest Johal's detention conditions have worsened, with restrictions on family contact, limited access to hygiene facilities, and periods of solitary confinement.

UN experts stressed that such conditions, combined with prolonged legal uncertainty, can constitute severe mental suffering, falling within the definition of torture under international human rights law.

"International law is unequivocal," the experts said. "It prohibits torture, including mental suffering caused by indefinite detention, and bans the use of evidence obtained through coercion."

A Case of Systemic Concern

Beyond the individual case, the UN statement frames Johal's situation as indicative of broader systemic issues, including:

• Delays and inefficiencies in judicial proceedings

• Potential misuse of counter-terrorism legislation

• Lack of accountability for alleged human rights violations

• Concerns about religious profiling

"This case represents the cumulative impact of injustice," the experts said. "It reflects a profound miscarriage of justice."

Calls for Immediate Action

The UN experts have urged the Government of India to:

• Drop the remaining charges against Johal

• Release him without delay

• Conduct a full, independent investigation into allegations of torture and ill-treatment

• Ensure accountability for any violations of due process

They have also formally communicated their concerns to Indian authorities and confirmed they will continue to monitor developments closely.

"Time Is Not Neutral"

In a striking conclusion, the experts emphasised the human cost of prolonged legal limbo.

"Time is not neutral," they said. "The long wait for an outcome has already caused intolerable anxiety and stress. This is unacceptable harm under international human rights law."