In the Canadian province of Ontario, the court has given a strict verdict to an Indian citizen in the case of harassment of minor girls and has ordered his immediate deportation from the country. 51-year-old Jagjit Singh arrived in Canada in July on a 6-month visitor visa. His aim was to meet his newborn grandson, but within a few days serious allegations were made against him. His constant presence was seen outside a high school in the Sarnia area. 

According to the complaints, between September 8 and 11, he used to try to talk to the teenage girls visiting there, take their photographs unwantedly and talk inappropriately about alcohol and drugs. The student who made the allegation said that Singh tried to come close to her, due to which she felt nervous and she immediately moved away. Jagjeet  Singh was seen outside the school every day, after which the police arrested him on September 16 and charged him with sexual assault and criminal harassment."text-align: justify;">Arrest, bail and complete action in court

After the first arrest, he got bail, but on the same day, he was arrested again as soon as another complaint was filed. Before the next hearing, he had to remain in custody for a whole night due to non-availability of vigilal. During his court appearance on 19 September, Singh denied the allegation of sexual harassment, although he accepted the charge of criminal harassment. The court said in its decision that he had no justification in the high school premises and his attempt to contact minor girls amounts to a serious crime. 

Justice Christa Lynn Leszynski commented during the hearing that there is no place for this kind of behavior in society and it is completely unacceptable. Singh’s lawyer told the court that he was due to return to India at the end of December, but the court considered this inadequate compared to the gravity of the crime."text-align: justify;">Court’s decision

The Canadian court ordered Singh’s immediate deportation and banned him from entering Canada in the future. Additionally, he was given three years’ probation, under which it would be mandatory to follow strict instructions. The court made it clear that they cannot contact any girl below 16 years of age nor go near any school, park, sports ground, community center or pool. There will be a complete ban on contact with any staff or student associated with the high school campus.

He has been allowed to live only with his newborn grandson, as he had come to Canada for a family visit. The court said that the safety of minors is paramount and no leniency can be shown in such cases. With this decision, the Canadian justice system has given the message that the policy of zero tolerance will be implemented in crimes related to the safety of children.

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