OTTAWA, Canada (Diya TV) — Canada’s Justice Department is moving to keep sensitive national security information out of a high-profile murder trial tied to the killing of a Khalistani Sikh leader in British Columbia. The case has deepened tensions between Canada and India and raised concerns about foreign interference.
Lawyers for the Attorney General of Canada have asked the Federal Court for permission to block the release of certain evidence in the trial of four Indian men accused of killing Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. Officials argue that disclosing the information could harm national security and international relations.
Court filings do not detail the specific evidence at issue. However, government lawyers said its release could damage intelligence-sharing relationships with allied countries. The request falls under the provisions of the Canada Evidence Act, which allows courts to restrict sensitive disclosures. A spokesperson for the Department of Justice Canada confirmed the application but declined further comment, citing the ongoing legal process.
Nijjar was shot dead on June 18, 2023, outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia and was deemed a terrorist by the Indian government.
In May 2024, Canadian authorities arrested four suspects: Amandeep Singh, Karanpreet Singh, Karan Brar, and Kamalpreet Singh. Prosecutors have charged them with murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has linked the case to organized crime networks. Investigators believe jailed Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi may have helped coordinate the killing. Another suspect, Goldy Brar, remains at large. Authorities have not charged either man in Canada.
The case sparked a diplomatic crisis after then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in 2023 that Canadian intelligence had linked Indian government agents to the killing. India has denied any involvement.
Canada expelled several Indian diplomats following the allegations. Relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply. Since taking office, Prime Minister Mark Carney has sought to rebuild ties and expand trade. Some Sikh groups in Canada oppose renewed engagement with India. The World Sikh Organization of Canada said withholding evidence could undermine justice. The group warned that secrecy might embolden further violence and intimidation.
Legal scholars say such applications are common in cases involving intelligence or foreign partners. Michael Nesbitt of the University of Calgary said courts regularly review requests to protect sensitive information. He noted that judges must balance transparency with national security concerns. Defense lawyers also have the right to challenge the government’s request.
Leah West, a professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, said intelligence shared by allies often comes with strict limits. Governments may restrict their use in court to protect sources and methods. West added that any evidence that could prove a defendant’s innocence must still be disclosed. Courts play a key role in ensuring fairness during the process.
The Nijjar case has intensified scrutiny of foreign interference in Canada. Officials say countries such as India, China, and Iran have targeted diaspora communities through intimidation and surveillance. A recent report by the Montreal Institute for Global Security described transnational repression as a growing threat. The report said such actions challenge democratic values and public safety.
Investigators believe intelligence from allies helped uncover the alleged plot. Reports suggest the United Kingdom intercepted communications tied to the case, while the FBI gathered related evidence in a separate U.S. investigation.
The trial remains in its pretrial phase and is subject to a publication ban. The B.C. Prosecution Service has declined to comment publicly. The Federal Court must now decide whether to grant the government’s request to withhold evidence. The ruling could shape how Canada handles national security information in criminal trials.
