Canadian court protects Hindu temple for important Indian consular camp amid threats and attacks from pro-Khalistan groups

A Canadian court has appears injunction to protect Toronto’s Lakshmi Narayan Mandir from protests within 100 meters as a consular camp is located there on Saturday (November 30).

The decision, handed down by an Ontario Superior Court judge on Thursday, was based on an application filed by the temple administration to ensure safety and uninterrupted access for visitors.

The court noted that although violence during the protest was not guaranteed, the harm went beyond physical aggression. It stressed that “intimidation of elderly people who visit the temple for consular services or religious services harms both individuals and the wider community”.

The consular camp, organized annually to help pensioners with life certificates, has been targeted by pro-Khalistan groups, including Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), who have called for protests against the Indian consulate.

Recent incidents, such as the violent invasion of the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on November 3, have heightened tensions, leading to arrests and increased security.

The court order directs Toronto police, the Ontario Provincial Police and other law enforcement agencies to enforce the requirements by “arresting and removing” violators. It expressly forbids “intimidation,” obstructing access to the temple, or unauthorized entry between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturdays.

Indian missions in Canada are wrapping up their last consular camps of the year this weekend, with others planned in Surrey, British Columbia, and the city of London, Ontario. The measures come amid growing concerns about the security of India’s consular operations in Canada.