CHANDIGARH, OCT 15: The Punjab government has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging the Union Ministry of External Affairs’ decision withholding political clearance for an official trade delegation led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to France. The judicial petition describes the refusal as an arbitrary measure that impacts state administrative functioning and federal principles outlined in the Constitution.
During the initial court proceedings, central legal representatives requested additional time to gather complete instructions and present an official response. Judicial authorities adjourned the matter to allow all parties to file necessary submissions before further evaluation takes place.
The planned official visit was organized to support state cooperative initiatives and promote agricultural exports at an international trade exhibition in Paris. Administrative officials noted that formal applications had been submitted well in advance with full institutional support, adding that necessary approvals had been processed through standard diplomatic channels before the sudden denial.
