In a landmark decision, the Superior Court of Ontario has issued an injunction to protect Toronto’s Lakshmi Narayan Mandir from protests within a 100-metre radius during a consular camp scheduled for Saturday, 30 November.
The move comes amid heightened tensions and threats from pro-Khalistan groups, including Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which have targeted Indian consular activities in Canada.
The court’s ruling, handed down on Thursday, follows a petition by the temple’s management to safeguard worshippers and attendees.
The annual camp, crucial for assisting Indian pensioners with life certificates, has drawn the ire of separatist elements, escalating fears of disruption and violence.
Judge’s remarks emphasised that harm isn’t limited to physical violence, stating that “intimidation of elderly individuals attending the temple for consular services or worship constitutes harm to both individuals and the wider community.”
The court deemed a restraining order necessary to prevent potential threats and maintain community safety.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Toronto Police and Ontario Provincial Police, have been directed to enforce the injunction, with provisions to remove violators who impede access, intimidate attendees, or trespass on temple premises. The restrictions will be in place from 8 am to 6 pm on Saturday.
This decision comes against a backdrop of increasing hostility towards Hindu temples in Canada, exemplified by the violent intrusion at Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Mandir on 3 November, which led to arrests and raised alarms about extremist activities.
Indian missions in Canada are wrapping up their final consular camps of the year this weekend, with additional events planned in Surrey, British Columbia, and London, Ontario. Previous disruptions, including the cancellation of a camp in Brampton due to security concerns, have drawn criticism from Hindu organisations, accusing authorities of failing to protect places of worship from rising Khalistani extremism.
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