The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed petitions filed by Turkey-based Celebi group challenging the revocation of its security clearance by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), citing national security concerns.
Justice Sachin Datta rejected the pleas of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd, which manage ground handling and cargo operations at several Indian airports. The companies have been operating in India for over 15 years and currently serve nine airports, employing more than 10,000 people.
During the hearing, Celebi argued that the Indian government’s move to cancel its security clearance—following Turkey’s public support for Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack—was “against the principles of natural justice” and had disrupted its operations across the country.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Celebi, said that multiple contracts with Indian airports were being terminated following the government’s decision. “Our business and contracts have been affected,” he told the court.
Celebi’s Indian unit maintained that it functions as a domestic company with Indian staff. “We are an Indian company, and our employees are Indian nationals,” the company stated, urging the court to overturn the revocation order, according to a Reuters report.
Defending the move, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the Centre had acted in response to an “unprecedented” threat to aviation security. He told the court on May 22 that the government holds “plenary powers” in matters of national security.
“Ground handling firms have access to the entire airport and aircraft. The Director General of BCAS is empowered to act decisively to eliminate any immediate threat,” Mehta said, adding that aviation security involves the country’s sovereignty and must be treated with utmost sensitivity.
BCAS withdrew Celebi’s clearance on May 15, shortly after Turkey publicly supported Pakistan and criticised India’s military action against terror camps. The move came amid rising calls for a boycott of the Istanbul-headquartered company.
Following the controversy, Celebi issued a clarification distancing itself from any political affiliations. It denied allegations linking the firm to Sümeyye Erdoğan, daughter of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stating she holds no stake in the company. Celebi said its ownership lies with Can and Canan Celebioglu (17.5 percent each), with the remaining 65 percent held by international institutional investors.
(By arrangement with livemint.com)