After nearly nine years of legal struggles, Sikh activist Jagtar Johal was released on bail from Tihar Jail, India’s largest prison, officials confirmed on Friday. Johal, 39, a Scottish-born human rights campaigner, had been detained since 2017 on charges linked to terrorism shortly after his marriage in India.

The release marks the culmination of a prolonged campaign led by his brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, a solicitor and local councillor in Dumbarton near Glasgow, who described the past weeks as “torture” while waiting for the final bail order to be enforced. “There have been so many setbacks and disappointments in the last nine years that I didn’t dare to believe it until I saw Jagtar walking out of the prison gates with my own eyes,” Gurpreet Johal said.

Jagtar Johal, who is widely known as "Jaggy" among his friends in Scotland, was acquitted last year of charges relating to financial support for a terror group. Despite this, he continues to face federal allegations in India connected to the same accusations. Indian authorities have maintained that legal protocols are being adhered to in his case.

Though out on bail, Johal remains subject to several restrictions. His passport has been surrendered to Indian officials, and he is prohibited from leaving the country as investigations continue. According to reports, he has also agreed not to engage with media outlets as part of his bail conditions.

The campaign for Johal’s release drew support from British politicians and human rights organizations, including the nonprofit Reprieve. These groups have raised concerns over the length of his detention and the circumstances of the charges against him.

While his release represents a significant development, Johal’s legal situation remains unresolved, with further hearings expected in the coming months. Authorities have not indicated when a final verdict on the remaining charges will be reached.