Delhi High Court on Friday granted bail to British national Jagtar Singh Johal in seven cases linked to alleged targeted killings and attempted murders in Punjab during 2016-17. A division bench of Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja passed the order after reconsidering Johal's bail appeals.

Johal was arrested in Punjab in 2017 and has remained in custody since then. The cases are being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and involve provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with other criminal laws.

Cases Linked to Alleged Targeted Killings

The seven cases concern alleged targeted killings and attempted murders reported in Ludhiana and Jalandhar districts between 2016 and 2017.

According to the NIA's case, the incidents were allegedly connected to a wider conspiracy attributed to the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). The agency has alleged that Johal played a role as a financier and courier in the alleged conspiracy. These remain prosecution allegations and will be considered through the legal process.

The cases include charges under the UAPA, the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act, according to earlier court proceedings.

Earlier Bail Pleas Were Rejected

Johal's earlier bail applications were rejected by the NIA Special Court. Five applications were dismissed in September 2022, while two others were rejected in April 2024.

The Delhi High Court subsequently rejected his bail appeals in September 2024. At that time, the court considered the prosecution's allegations and the requirements governing bail under the UAPA.

Johal then approached the Supreme Court. On July 15, 2026, the Supreme Court sent the matters back to the Delhi High Court for fresh consideration of his bail pleas.

High Court Reconsiders Bail After Supreme Court Order

Following the Supreme Court's direction, the Delhi High Court heard the bail matters again. The court reserved its order on September 7 after hearing arguments from the parties.

The bench has now allowed Johal's appeals and granted bail in all seven cases before it. The detailed order explaining the reasons for the decision is still awaited.

The bail order does not determine the final outcome of the criminal cases. The allegations against Johal remain subject to trial and further judicial proceedings.

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NIA's Allegations

The NIA has alleged that the incidents formed part of a broader conspiracy aimed at creating disturbances in Punjab and affecting the law-and-order situation.

Prosecutors have also alleged that other accused people acted as shooters in the incidents, while Johal was assigned a different role involving alleged financing and movement of funds. These claims are part of the prosecution's case and have not been established as final findings of guilt.