Punjab and Haryana High Court clears Bhagwant Mann France visit after MEA security review

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has set aside the Ministry of External Affairs decision to withhold political clearance for Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann proposed trade trip to France.

Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya allowed the state government petition challenging the decision, which had prevented a three-member official delegation from traveling to Paris for the SIAL 2026 international food trade exhibition.

Why the Ministry of External Affairs reviewed the tour

The central government maintains established diplomatic protocols to safeguard state leaders and manage international engagements. In its submissions before the court, the Ministry of External Affairs explained that evaluating political clearance for overseas visits involves assessing strategic factors, bilateral relation dynamics, host country political environments, and potential security risks to dignitaries.

The Centre pointed out that without a formal bilateral government-to-government invitation, international protocol and comprehensive security cover for high-ranking dignitaries may not be guaranteed by host authorities. The Ministry noted that sensitive diplomatic considerations surrounding foreign travel are routinely evaluated through centralized security mechanisms.

What the High Court ruled

In its detailed judgment, the High Court observed that the e-Pol clearance refusal issued on 12 October cited a political angle without fully elaborating the precise grounds within the text of the order itself.

Referring to Supreme Court precedent in the Mohinder Singh Gill case, the bench held that the validity of an administrative order must be judged by the reasons stated within it at the time of issue, rather than additional explanations provided later in court affidavits.

The court also noted a communication dated 22 September from event organizers confirming participation arrangements for the state delegation at the India Pavilion.

Background of the proposed trade visit

The state government applied for political clearance on 9 September through the e-Pol Clearance System. The delegation was planned to participate in SIAL Paris 2026 alongside the Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited, which was allocated space within the India Pavilion by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

With judicial clearance granted, the state government intends to proceed with the planned trade engagements in Paris.