The UK authorities has informed the High Court in London {that a} British Sikh man’s allegations that he was tortured by Indian police whereas in custody on homicide fees “are not admitted” as a part of a authorized problem, which is ready to be heard in secret in Britain. Jagtar Singh Johal, a 36-year-old British citizen from Dumbarton in Scotland, was arrested whereas in Punjab for his marriage ceremony in 2017 and is presently being held at New Delhi’s Tihar Jail.
Johal has alleged that he was subjected to torture and mistreatment, allegations which the Indian authorities have denied and maintained that he was arrested on “serious charges” to face justice earlier than the courts. UK-based human rights organisation Reprieve is supporting a authorized declare by Johal that MI5 and MI6 could have contributed to his “detention and torture” by sharing intelligence with the Indian authorities. This week, in courtroom papers seen by the BBC, the federal government’s attorneys say: “For the avoidance of doubt, the allegations of torture and/or inhuman or degrading treatment by the Punjab Police… are not admitted.” They additionally say the UK authorities denies having “caused, contributed to [or] legal responsibility for any personal injuries, loss or damage suffered by” Johal. They make a number of references to Johal having been visited by consular employees from the British High Commission within the days after his detention and showing “fine”, with “no visible injuries”.
Johal’s household and authorized representatives declare this defence is at odds with public and different statements made by UK authorities officers on his case, and that materials has been “selectively quoted”. Johal’s attorneys from Leigh Day solicitors and Reprieve are in search of a courtroom apology from the British authorities over its dealing with of his case.
In a press release a Foreign Office spokesperson stated: “Mr Johal’s allegations against the UK government are the subject of ongoing court proceedings and, as such, it would not be appropriate to comment.” A date for the High Court listening to in London, to be heard in secret, is but to be set. The arrest and detention of Johal has additionally been raised within the UK Parliament over time, most lately on the finish of January when the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) informed MPs that the problem was raised throughout conferences with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar by their British counterparts.
“We want a resolution to this protracted and complex case. Let me assure members that we are doing what we can at the highest levels to support Mr Johal and his family, and we will continue to do so,” FCDO minister Leo Docherty stated throughout a Commons debate on January 19.