Sikhs' suit alleges CBC report was `untrue'

Independence advocates Sikhs for Justice has filed a lawsuit against the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, an Ottawa-based think tank, and Terry Milewski, a former CBC reporter, alleging “an untrue and misleading report” Milewski authored for the policy group on Khalistan has damaged the reputation of the Sikh organization.

Sikhs for Justice describes itself as a non-profit that promotes the rights of Sikhs to seek self-determination and, in particular, was the driving force behind Referendum 2020, which sought a worldwide referendum on the creation of an independent Sikh state in India, known as Khalistan. The referendum was to gauge support worldwide for the independent state.

“Without any basis, (Milewski and the Macdonald-Laurier Institute) paint the referendum as a covert attempt to foment extremist ideologies,” the lawsuit says. “The authors also characterize (Sikhs for Justice) as the puppet of the Government of Pakistan.”

No formal defence has been filed in court, but in a statement, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute said they and Milewski stand behind the report.

“The civil claim against MLI and Mr. Milewski is a meritless attempt to silence public debate,” the statement said. “MLI and Mr. Milewski stand by the article, and have every confidence that they will be successful in the litigation.”

The report, published in September 2020, is entitled “Khalistan: A Project of Pakistan.” The lawsuit, filed in Ontario court on Dec. 1, says the report made several defamatory allegations, including that Sikhs for Justice “supports violent activities or causes within India,” that it is an “extremist organization,” and is working “on behalf ” of Pakistan.

The group argues it’s misleading donors and supporters because “it is in reality furthering a foreign government’s agenda.” Sikhs For Justice believes the India government is behind attempts to discredit them.

Gurpatwant Pannun, a lawyer for Sikhs for Justice, told the National Post the report equated the Khalistan movement with terrorism and extremism.

“We filed a defamation suit stating that he’s intentionally malicious,” said Pannun. “Even if they take the report down, the damage has been done.”

The report argues “a closer look suggests that it’s Pakistanis, not Khalistanis, who are driving the campaign — and their motives are not necessarily pure” and that the “proposition of an independent Khalistan” is a “backward idea from a backward time.”

In October 2020, the group issued a libel notice to Macdonald-Laurier Institute, asking it to retract its report; it has not done so, the lawsuit says.

They have been unable to serve Milewski.

The group seeks $2 million in damages.

The National Post was unable to reach Milewski for comment by deadline.