This court order represents a critical victory for the Indian-Canadian community, ensuring access to essential services in a secure environment while setting a precedent for addressing future disruptions
A Canadian court has issued a significant ruling to ensure the smooth operation of an Indian consular camp held at the Laxmi Narayan Mandir in Scarborough, Toronto, indiatoday.in reported.
The injunction prohibits protest activities within 100 meters of the temple on November 30, providing relief to elderly Indian-origin attendees seeking essential consular services.
This development follows a series of disruptions by Khalistani protesters that had earlier compelled the Indian Consulate to cancel camps across Canada due to security concerns. The temple’s administration expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, which safeguarded the consular camp’s operation.
In a statement, the Laxmi Narayan Mandir Cultural Society noted, “The Superior Court of Justice issued an interlocutory injunction to maintain safety and access to the temple during the camp.” They also extended thanks to the Toronto Police Service for enforcing the court’s order, ensuring a peaceful event.
Despite the challenges, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed hope for resuming consular camps in other Canadian cities while prioritizing the safety of staff and attendees
The consular camp, organized by the Indian Consulate in Toronto, catered to around 250 elderly individuals, primarily issuing life certificates. The consulate confirmed that while this marked the last camp of the season, services remain available at their office during working hours.
The need for legal intervention arose after a history of violent incidents linked to Khalistani groups. Earlier in November, camps in Brampton and Surrey faced attacks, including one at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, where a mob disrupted services. Sikhs for Justice, a banned pro-Khalistani group, had claimed responsibility for the protests, opposing the presence of Indian officials.
Community leaders have lauded the court’s ruling as a step toward restoring trust in local authorities. Ravi Andamuri, a member of the Hindu Forum in Canada, highlighted earlier police inaction, adding, “The police only began cooperating after the court’s intervention. We’re now relieved to see the camp proceeding peacefully.”
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