NEW DELHI: Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur has released a legal update detailing the ongoing trial proceedings at the Special NIA Court (Patiala House, New Delhi) concerning the alleged targeted killings cases. The cases involve British national Jagtar Singh “Jaggi” Johal alongside several other individuals, including Hardeep Singh Shera, Ramandeep Singh Bagga, and Amninder Singh.

Supreme Court Directive and Trial Progress Following a directive issued by the Supreme Court of India on December 11, 2025, the trial court was instructed to expedite these cases. The Supreme Court specifically mandated day-to-day hearings, where possible, focusing on the examination of protected witnesses.

Advocate Manjhpur reported that the trial court has actively followed these directions. Between December 11, 2025, and February 19, 2026, a total of 12 hearings have taken place, during which six protected witnesses were examined.

Status of Witnesses Pertaining to Jaggi Johal According to the update, no protected witness has deposed specifically against Jagtar Singh Johal as of February 19. The NIA has maintained that there are two protected witnesses slated to testify against him.

However, during the latest proceedings, an NIA officer informed the court of a significant development regarding these two witnesses:

• One witness has passed away.

• The second witness currently resides abroad.

In response to this information, the court directed the NIA to submit a detailed report during the upcoming hearings. The agency must clarify when the witness residing abroad will travel to India or explain the alternative legal arrangements that will be made to record their testimony.

Parallels to Previous Acquittal Advocate Manjhpur highlighted a notable similarity between the current evidentiary situation and Johal’s previous trial in Moga (Baghapurana Police Station FIR 193/16). In that case, the prosecution also relied on two private witnesses; one passed away before testifying, and the court ultimately dismissed the testimony of the second as unreliable, which resulted in Johal’s acquittal in March 2025.

The defense expressed optimism that the current NIA proceedings will yield a similar outcome, hoping for Johal’s eventual acquittal and return home.