Punjab and Haryana High Court Allows Bhagwant Mann’s France Visit Despite Centre’s Objections

The Punjab government had accused the Centre of adopting a discriminatory approach towards the Chief Minister’s proposed foreign visits.

Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya passed the order after hearing submissions from the state government and the Centre.

The state government had moved the High Court after the Ministry of External Affairs denied political clearance for Mann’s proposed visit to France from October 15 to 21. Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Ravi Bhagat were also scheduled to accompany him.

The delegation’s proposed visit aimed to promote Punjab’s agricultural and food-processing products in international markets and explore opportunities for trade and investment.

According to the state government’s petition, the visit was linked to SIAL Paris 2026, an international food industry exhibition scheduled to be held from October 17 to 21 at Paris Nord Villepinte.

The Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd (MARKFED) had been allotted a stall in the India Pavilion organised under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

The state government argued that the visit would provide an opportunity to showcase Punjab’s agricultural produce, connect local businesses with international buyers and attract investment. It also submitted that MARKFED would bear the expenses of the delegation’s visit.

Challenging the denial of political clearance, the state government contended that the decision had been communicated without providing reasons or giving it an opportunity to explain the purpose of the proposed trip. It described the decision as arbitrary and argued that it interfered with the state government’s executive functions. The petition also alleged discriminatory treatment in the granting of permissions for official foreign visits.

The Centre opposed the proposed trip, citing security concerns and the possibility of threats to Mann from Khalistani elements. It also questioned the absence of a formal invitation from the French government and raised concerns about the security arrangements required during the visit.

The Punjab government maintained that the necessary security arrangements could be coordinated with the Indian mission and French authorities.

After hearing the arguments, the High Court allowed the state government’s plea, removing the legal obstacle created by the denial of political clearance.