VANCOUVER -- Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal recipient Maninder Gill defended accepting the prestigious award from the federal government while facing gun-related charges in the wounding of a man outside a temple.

The Radio India managing director claimed he was offered the award by all three federal Members of Parliament for Surrey, BC.

"I didn't demand the award," Gill said in his Surrey office Wednesday. "They picked me for this award. Before this honour I have received over 300 awards from the municipal, provincial and federal level."

He said he's raised more than $10 million for charity through his family's radio station.

Gill is scheduled to appear in court in 2014 on charges of shooting a man outside a Surrey temple in August 2010. He claims he was defending himself.
Newton-North Delta NDP MP Jinny Sims responded to complaints from her constituents about the award she presented to Gill on Monday.

"I awarded the medal to Mr. Gill in recognition of the significant contributions he has made to his community and was not aware of the pending legal matter," she said in a statement.

Sims apologized to those offended by Gill receiving the medal.