The family of two men imprisoned in the Punjab for more than a month after an incident at a wedding say they are hopeful charges against them will be dropped at a hearing today.

Amarjit Sohal and his 19-year-old son, Talvinder, of Evington, Leicester, were arrested and jailed on October 3 after an alleged fight.

Reports in India at the time of their arrest stated the men faced charges including attempted murder, theft, fraud and rioting.

Aman Sohal, 26, is Amarjit’s daughter and Talvinder’s sister.

She said talks with lawyers had left her feeling positive and that today’s court appearance would be “a formality” and that charges would be officially dropped.

She said: “I spoke to my brother on Saturday for the first time in weeks. It was so good to hear his voice. He was putting on a brave face telling me that he was being treated well and was watching television all the time but I know that’s not the case.

“I told him how much support he’s been getting back home and he was asking how Chelsea have been getting on while he’s been away. They are doing well so he was happy about that.

“I’m just so looking forward to getting that call on Monday when we’ll hopefully be told when they can come back.”

Meanwhile hundreds of people signed a petition for the pair’s release at a protest by the city’s Clock Tower on Saturday.

Sital Singh Gill, of the Indian Workers Association, which organised the event, said: “We’ve had so many people coming up to us to show their support. We are seeking public support and want to increase awareness of the situation so they can be brought back to Leicester.

“A lot of people were aware of why we are here and they wanted to do something to help.”

The group will be protesting at the Clock Tower every Saturday and outside the offices of The Consulate General of India, in Birmingham, every Thursday, until the pair are released.