The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed Turkish company Celebi’s petitions challenging the revocation of its security clearance by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), stating the move was taken in the interest of national security. Justice Sachin Datta pronounced the verdict after reserving it on May 23. The petitions were filed by Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd, which handle ground services and cargo terminal operations at several Indian airports.
The BCAS, a central agency responsible for aviation security, revoked Celebi’s security clearance on May 15, shortly after Turkey publicly supported Pakistan and criticised India’s military strikes on terror camps across the border. Citing a "unprecedented threat" to national and aviation security, the Centre responded in favour of the revocation. Based on sensitive inputs, the government argued that there were possible risks associated with permitting Celebi to carry on with business as usual.
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Celebi's legal team contended during the hearings that the revocation was in violation of the Aircraft Security Rules and natural justice principles. The company claimed that the Director General of BCAS was required to issue a notice of proposed punishment, provide an opportunity to be heard, and then issue a reasoned order — none of which was followed, according to the petitioner. The Centre, however, reiterated its stance in an affidavit filed on May 19, stating that the decision was made based on national security concerns and could not be subjected to regular procedural requirements in such exceptional cases.
Celebi, which has been operating in India’s aviation sector for over 15 years and employs more than 10,000 people, currently provides ground handling and cargo services at nine major airports across the country. The BCAS order dated May 15 stated, “... the security clearance in respect of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security.” Notably, Celebi had last received security clearance from the Indian authorities in November 2022.
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