The 52-year-old originally from York was freed from prison in Shimla north of Delhi on Saturday after serving two years of his ten-year sentence.

He was released on health grounds, but has not been acquitted.

Roy Stillman, from York, told the BBC that the family's main concern was getting his son back to full health before seeking to clear his name.

Family overjoyed

"Only when he's stronger and he's had the medical attention he desperately needs will he be able to fight the question of his pardon," said Mr Stillman.

"Then he will be strong enough and perfectly able to fight his own corner.

"Until then, we're only concerned about his health and we're absolutely overjoyed that he's free."

The Indian authorities had come under increasing pressure to free Mr Stillman, who is deaf, has an artificial leg and diabetes.

Campaigners petitioned for Mr Stillman's release

He was found guilty of smuggling 20 kilograms of cannabis in August 2000 after the drug was found in a shared taxi, but has always maintained his innocence.

Mr Stillman has spent most of his life working for deaf causes in India.

But the authorities at his original trial refused to believe he could not hear and refused him an interpreter.

Appeal dismissed

Earlier this year his case was dismissed by the appeal court and he was later refused leave to appeal to India's supreme court.

His release comes after pressure from the deaf community and the intervention of Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

Mr Stillman is expected to return to the UK with his family on Thursday or Friday.