Delhi HC junks Turkish firm’s plea against revocation of security clearance

The Delhi High Court on Monday, 7 July, dismissed Turkish-based firm Celebi's challenge to the revocation of its security clearance by aviation watchdog BCAS in the "interest of national security".

Justice Sachin Datta dismissed the petitions after reserving the verdict on 23 May.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Safety (BCAS) on 15 May revoked the security clearance, days after Turkey backed Pakistan and condemned India's strikes on terror camps in the neighbouring country.

Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd oversee ground handling and cargo terminal functions at various airports in the country.

The Central authority's counsel had defended the action, pointing out an "unprecedented" threat to aviation security.

Celebi's counsel had contended that the Centre's move was against the principles of natural justice and in violation of the procedure under the Aircraft Security Rules.

He said the Director General of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security ought to have given the petitioners a hearing after giving notice of "proposed punishment" and subsequently given reasons for their action.

On 19 May, the Centre said the decision to revoke clearance was taken in the interest of national security in light of certain inputs that continuing the services of the petitioner companies would be hazardous in the current scenario.

Celebi, operating in the Indian aviation sector for over 15 years and employing over 10,000 people, offers its services at nine airports.

BCAS, in its order, said, "... 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 security clearance to the company, part of Turkey's Celebi, was given in November 2022.