Indian Community Rallies Behind Ajay Pant As London Court Rejects Bail

A London court has rejected the bail application of Indian merchant navy captain Ajay Pant, who is facing charges of allegedly violating United Kingdom sanctions on Russian oil.

The decision came during a hearing at Southwark Crown Court, where Pant appeared via video link while remaining in custody.

Ahead of the hearing, a message circulated widely on social media urging members of the Indian community in the United Kingdom to gather outside the court on 16 July to express peaceful moral support for Pant.

The appeal encouraged people to respect court rules while demonstrating solidarity during what it described as a difficult period for the Indian captain.

The call received a positive response, with several members of the community attending the hearing in support.

Despite the show of solidarity, the court rejected Pant’s bail request and directed that proceedings in the case would continue according to the existing schedule.

Ajay Pant, 38, is a resident of Chilkia village in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand’s Nainital district. He has remained in British custody since authorities boarded the oil tanker MV Smirtos last month.

British authorities said the Royal Marines and the National Crime Agency intercepted the MV Smirtos on 14 June, alleging it was carrying around 98,000 tonnes of Russian crude oil in violation of UK sanctions.

Pant has been charged under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations, 2019 and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

The court denied him bail, citing the risk of absconding, and will hear his application to dismiss the charges on 12 November. The trial is likely to begin on 15 December.

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