Canada’s Court Rejects Khalistani Extremists’ Bid to Exit No-Fly List

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In a recent ruling, a Canadian court dismissed an appeal by two Khalistani extremists, Bhagat Singh Brar and Parvkar Singh Dulai, to be removed from Canada’s no-fly list. The Federal Court of Appeal upheld their no-fly designations under Canada’s Secure Air Travel Act, citing ‘reasonable grounds’ to suspect they would threaten transportation security or commit acts of terror. The court’s decision, delivered by Justice David Stratas on behalf of a three-judge panel, highlighted the breach of Charter rights for the two individuals when they were added to the no-fly list in 2018. Brar and Dulai, both Sikh Canadians, were prohibited from boarding planes in Vancouver, with Dulai being linked to the banned Babbar Khalsa group. The ruling emphasized the importance of protecting national security while respecting individual rights, especially in light of the global fight against terrorism. Despite their appeals to have their names removed from the list, the court deemed the legislation justifiable and the confidential security information provided sufficient grounds for the minister to suspect the individuals’ intentions. The legal battle underscores the ongoing tension between safeguarding public safety and preserving civil liberties in the face of security threats. This ruling comes at a time of strained relations between Canada and India, with concerns over the presence of Khalistani elements in the country and the government’s stance on addressing extremist activities. The decision to maintain Brar and Dulai on the no-fly list reflects the complex balance of security measures and individual rights within the Canadian legal framework, amidst ongoing challenges posed by extremist activities worldwide.