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Arpana Khanna's anti-crime bill axed as extortions surge
Khanna argues that the bill would have strengthened bail laws by removing the 'principle of restraint'.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Thu, 26, Mar 2026
- 04:54 EDT
- 21
Arpan Khanna / Team Arpan via Facebook
Indian-origin Conservative Member of Parliament Arpan Khanna said he will continue advocating for victims of crime after his proposed “Jail Not Bail Act” was defeated in Canada’s House of Commons on March 25.
The proposed legislation, Bill C-242, sought to amend Canada’s criminal laws by removing the “principle of restraint” in bail decisions and imposing stricter conditions on offenders.
The bill came amid rising extortion cases targeting Indian-owned businesses in Canada, with reports increasing more than 300 percent over the past decade, allegedly linked to transnational organized crime.
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Sponsored by Khanna, the legislation aimed to expand reverse-onus provisions for certain violent offenses, requiring accused individuals to justify their release. It also proposed tighter restrictions on repeat offenders, limits on who can serve as a surety, and additional conditions for non-citizens, including surrendering passports.
Following the vote, Khanna posted a video on X criticizing the outcome.
“Just moments ago, the Liberals voted down my Jail Not Bail Bill, Bill C-242, a real plan with over a dozen changes to the Criminal Code to fix the broken Liberal bail system and finally put victims ahead of repeat offenders,” he said.
Khanna argued that his proposal had support from law enforcement, victims, and communities across Canada.
“It’s disappointing, but it’s not the end of the story, because this fight has never been about one vote. It’s about standing up for Canadians who deserve to feel safe in their homes, their streets, and their communities,” he said.
Addressing victims directly, he added, “Don’t lose faith. Don’t give up. Your voice matters. Your story matters. And our Conservative team is fighting for you every single day.”
The Liberals voted down the Jail Not Bail Act, allowing repeat, violent offenders back in our communities.
— Arpan Khanna (@ArpanKhanna) March 25, 2026
Conservatives will always stand up for the rights of victims and Canadians.
Our fight continues. pic.twitter.com/DP30WgQnkW
The bill’s defeat came a day after Khanna and fellow Conservative MP Larry Brock wrote to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urging support for the legislation.
In the letter, they criticized Liberal bail policies and called for tougher rules for repeat violent offenders.
“Violent crime is rising. Extortion is increasing. Sexual assaults are up. Homicides are climbing. These are not abstract statistics. They represent shattered families and grieving communities across our country,” Khanna wrote.
He added that Canada needs “a bail system that prioritizes safety and the rights of victims,” arguing that “dangerous, repeat offenders should not be repeatedly released back into our communities.”
A recent report by Khalsa Vox highlighted growing extortion threats against Punjabi builders in Vancouver, describing how what began as isolated incidents in Surrey has escalated into a broader pattern of intimidation.
“Builders in Vancouver are now pulling down job-site signs, scrubbing phone numbers and addresses from websites, delaying projects, and living in fear that their success makes them prime targets,” the report said, citing risks of violence including shootings, arson, and drive-by attacks.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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