High Court Clears Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s France Trade Visit
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday, October 16, allowed the Punjab government’s petition against the Centre’s refusal of political clearance for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s visit to France. Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya heard the plea, The Statesman and LawBeat reported. The detailed order was still awaited.
Why the Visit Was Blocked
Mann was to lead a state delegation to SIAL Paris 2026, an international food exhibition running from October 17 to 21, to promote Punjab’s farm and processed food products. Markfed had been allotted a stall at the India Pavilion organised by APEDA and was to bear the cost.
The Ministry of External Affairs had denied clearance citing security concerns, including threats from extremist elements abroad and the difficulty of arranging security at a crowded venue at short notice. The state argued that the refusal carried no reasons and said it had applied in early September.
For Punjab’s farmers and food processors, the visit is meant to open export contacts. It is not yet clear whether the Centre will appeal. More court updates are on our Quick Reads page, including earlier coverage of the High Court’s ruling on local job quotas.
Based on reporting by The Statesman and LawBeat.
Image: Siasat (file).
