The Delhi High Court on Thursday reserved its judgment in a high-stakes case involving Turkish aviation ground handler Celebi, which has challenged the Indian government’s sudden decision to revoke its security clearance citing national security concerns.
Justice Sachin Datta, after hearing intense arguments from both sides, directed Celebi and the central government to file their written submissions by May 26. The outcome of the case is expected to have wide-ranging implications for the aviation sector and foreign investments in sensitive infrastructure.
The legal dispute arose after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on May 15 withdrew Celebi’s security clearance, a move that followed Turkey’s public condemnation of India’s military operations against terror camps and its support for Pakistan. The revocation affects Celebi’s ability to operate at high-security airport zones where it provides ground and cargo handling services.
Appearing for Celebi, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi termed the government’s action a “breach of natural justice” and argued that it violated provisions of the Aircraft Security Rules. He pointed out that the company was not given prior notice or a chance to respond before the revocation order was issued.
Defending the government’s stance, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta invoked “extraordinary measures for extraordinary situations,” asserting that the action was necessitated by urgent security considerations. He emphasized that Celebi’s access to sensitive airport areas warranted the use of the government’s plenary powers under aviation security protocols.
“Any delay or disclosure in such matters can endanger national interests,” Mehta told the court, while adding that Celebi’s concerns had been considered and that judicial oversight ensures accountability in such cases.
Celebi has been a key player in India’s aviation infrastructure for over 15 years, managing services at nine airports, handling around 58,000 flights annually, and employing more than 10,000 personnel. Its cargo operations cover over 5.4 lakh tonnes every year.
The BCAS, in its revocation order, had stated, “…the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security.” The clearance had been granted in November 2022.
