Canada’s Court Shields Hindu Temple For Crucial Indian Consular Camp Amid Threats And Attacks From Pro-Khalistan Groups

A Canadian court has issued an injunction to protect the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Toronto from protests within a 100-meter radius as it hosts a consular camp on Saturday (30 November).

The ruling, passed by a Superior Court judge in Ontario on Thursday, was based on an application filed by the temple’s management, aiming to ensure safety and uninterrupted access for attendees.

The court noted that while violence at the protest was not guaranteed, harm extends beyond physical aggression. It emphasised that the "intimidation of elderly persons attending the temple for consular services or worship constitutes harm to both individuals and the wider community."

The consular camp, organised annually to assist pensioners with life certificates, has become a target for pro-Khalistan groups, including Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which has called for protests against India’s consulate. 

Recent incidents, such as the violent intrusion at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on 3 November, have heightened tensions, resulting in arrests and increased security measures.

The court’s order directs Toronto Police, Ontario Provincial Police, and other law enforcement agencies to enforce compliance by “arresting and removing” violators. It explicitly prohibits “intimidation,” interference with temple access, or unauthorised entry from 8 am to 6 pm on Saturday.

India’s missions in Canada are wrapping up their final consular camps of the year this weekend, with others scheduled in Surrey, British Columbia, and the town of London, Ontario. These measures come amid rising concerns about the safety of Indian consular activities in Canada.

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