Canada Court to hear 'torture' charges case against Capt. Amarinder today

The Ontario Court of Justice will on Saturday hear the torture charges levelled against Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Captain Amarinder Singh by a U.S.-based human rights advocacy group "Sikhs for Justice" (SFJ).

Singh, who is on visits to the U.S and Canada, has to cancel his political rallies in Toronto and Vancouver scheduled for the next week, following a request made by the Canadian Foreign Ministry. The SJF had lodged a complaint with the Minister of Foreign Affairs that the visit of Singh is "potential violation" of the "Global Affairs Canada" (GAC) policy.

SFJ had lodged a complaint with the Canadian government against the election activities planned by Captain. "By targeting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in Canada, canvassing for their votes and holding fundraising events in Toronto and Vancouver, Amarinder Singh would be violating the Canadian government's policy," said the SFJ.

SFJ legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannun told ANI over phone, "The purpose of a pre-enquete hearing is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence of torture charges levelled against the former Punjab chief minister to issue a summon or an arrest warrant requiring Capt. Amarinder to stand trial before the Ontario Court."

Capt. Singh has shot off a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, protesting against the decision to disallow him from addressing gatherings.

Capt. Singh tweeted his letter and said he was disappointed over, "the gag order that has left a bad taste."

"Since the host country does not allow such events, I thought it was better to cancel them," the Congress leader said in a statement said.

"I would, however, look forward to meeting my fellow Punjabis in their homes and small groups to ensure the compliance of the host country's laws," he added.