A disputed Sikh election is bound for court as a faction of the Kamloops Sikh Cultural Society opposes the acclamation of a new slate of directors.

The internal battle almost became physical on Sunday, however. Police were called to the Sikh Temple on Cambridge Crescent to defuse a fight that spilled into the parking lot.

The heated exchange involved factions involved in a disputed Sikh Cultural Society election of directors.

Initial reports indicated that one or more individuals could be injured and an ambulance did respond, but no injuries were sustained, said RCMP Staff Sgt. Grant Learned.

“There was a disturbance between some members of the congregation,” said Learned. “We were called because some of the people at the temple were concerned the argument might escalate. But there were no injuries and things were settled once our officers got there.”

More than a dozen temple members are involved in a legal battle over the contentious acclamation of the society’s directors last spring.

According to Supreme Court documents, the civil matter pits a dozen society members as plaintiffs against the Sikh Cultural Society and three defendants.

The defendants were among 11 people acclaimed on May 13 for 11 director openings for the 2012 to 2014 term.

Initially, 22 society members announced their intention to run, but half withdrew.

The plaintiffs argue that three of the new directors do not fulfil society election bylaws requiring candidates to be members in good standing for at least five years.

The defendants and the society executive argue they do fit the criteria.

The group’s new secretary, Isher Bhatti, said the courts will determine on Oct. 22 whether the society must hold an election.

He would provide no further details, saying the group isn’t interested in airing its religious matters.