The Union Government notified the Delhi High Court on Wednesday that Delhi Education Minister Atishi Marlena has received political clearance for her official visit to the UK.
Marlena requested that the Union of India process all permissions from Justice Chandra Dhari Singh. Cambridge University asked her to speak at a June 15 symposium on “India at 100: Towards Becoming a Global Leader” in her official capacity.
The Union Government’s attorney told the court that political clearance was obtained yesterday and the matter is now before the department of economic affairs. Atishi, who has a diplomatic passport, can also apply for her visa.
The plea was dismissed after the Union Government’s comments.
Advocate Shadan Farasat represented Atishi Marlena.
The request by Advocates Hrishika Jain, Aman Naqvi, and Bharat Gupta argued that the scheduled visit will allow Delhi’s administration to “showcase the leaps made in areas of education, health, and urban development”.
It said that delaying approval for the visit would defeat the objective.
The Delhi Government approved Marlena’s travel request on May 18. On May 26, Lieutenant Governor accepted the idea and sent it to India for permissions. The proposition was never decided.
Restricting Marlena’s voluntary travel overseas violates her personal liberty, too.
“The proposal was sent to the central government for approval. She has not received permission after 10 days. “In the present matter, the respondents’ non-decision on the matter till 06.06.2023, has left only eight days for all further formalities and visa approval, serving in effect as an arbitrary non-decision of the proposed visit,” the petition said.
In a suit filed by Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, Marlena had sought similar relief. The court requested a separate petition.
