Unexplained wealth order granted against Sikh priest

A Manitoba judge is invoking the Unexplained Wealth Act in the case of a Sikh priest alleged to have stolen from his temple. Harrison Shin explains.

A Manitoba judge’s order is starting a new discourse in Manitoba’s justice system.

Justice Sarah Inness granted an unprecedented order on Monday, brought by the director of criminal property forfeiture from the province. The order grants the director to pursue an unexplained wealth order against a Sikh priest Sukhwinder Singh.

The order is puzzling to Singh’s lawyer Steven Brennan.

“Why this has been chosen as a test case – I’m not sure,” Brennan said.

Singh would also be compelled to explain how he was able to purchase a house for $322,000. Brennan said the ball is now in the province’s court.

“A determination will have to be made by the director of criminal property forfeiture, as to whether they wish to proceed with a claim against the respondent.”

The order relates to criminal charges and two civil suits against Singh, for allegedly stealing donations from the Gurdwara Kalgidhar Darbar in Winnipeg.

CTV News reached out to the Gurdwara, but they declined to comment.

Professor of law in the University of Manitoba Mary Michelle Gallant said the word ‘wealth’ can mean anything, and the onus is on the respondent to provide proof.

“Real estates – so houses. Any empty lots, anything attached to land? That’s all real estate,” Gallant said.

She added that a possible way for respondents would be a written response.

“Provide some documentary evidence. You know, show us what your savings were, or things like that – or show us this job you have that’s allowing you to accumulate all this.”

Singh’s lawyer Brennan said a swift resolution is unlikely.

“There are multiple proceedings to work through the courts. So I think it’ll be a considerable period of time before there’s any resolution.”