The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a plea by Turkish aviation services firm Celebi, challenging the revocation of its security clearance by India’s aviation security regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), citing national security concerns.
Justice Sachin Datta upheld the government's decision, emphasizing the primacy of national interest over procedural formalities. The ruling came in response to petitions filed by Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd, both key players in ground handling and cargo services across Indian airports.
The BCAS had revoked the clearance on May 15, shortly after Turkey publicly supported Pakistan and condemned India’s cross-border anti-terror operations. The Indian government, defending the move, cited credible intelligence inputs indicating that Celebi’s continued operations could pose a security threat.
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Government counsel argued that the decision was made in response to an “unprecedented” security situation, and in such cases, procedural safeguards may be bypassed to ensure the safety of the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Celebi’s lawyers contended that the company was denied natural justice, claiming they weren’t given a fair hearing or notice. However, the court sided with the Centre’s position, reinforcing that national security takes precedence over procedural technicalities.
Celebi, a subsidiary of a Turkish group with more than 15 years of presence in India and over 10,000 employees, had received its most recent clearance in November 2022. It operates at nine Indian airports.
The BCAS order had stated clearly: “The security clearance in respect of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security.”
This ruling sends a clear signal that geopolitical alignments and national security concerns will be decisive factors in the continuation of foreign commercial operations in India’s sensitive sectors.
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