New Delhi: The Delhi high court, on Monday, dismissed Turkey-based firm Celebi Aviation’s plea against the revoking of its security clearance in India. Celebi provided ground handling services at nine key Indian airports.
Celebi Aviation’s security clearance was revoked by the Centre in May over national security concerns. The firm’s licence was cancelled by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the security wing of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
In its submission, the firm called the decision “unsustainable”, while saying that no proper reason had been given for the revocation. Celebi also claimed that it was done without prior notice.
The Centre’s counsel defended the action, pointing to 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 also said the director general of BCAS ought to have given the petitioners a hearing after giving notice of “proposed punishment” and subsequently given reasons for their action.
Celebi had started operations at the Mumbai airport in 2008, eventually expanding its services to Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Cochin, Kannur, Goa, and Ahmedabad. It assisted in flight operations, passenger services, cargo handling, bridge operation and warehouse management.
Founded in 1958, Celebi is currently present in 70 locations across the globe.
While revoking the security clearance in May, BCAS had said in a statement that the decision was taken due to “national interests”. The decision came in the backdrop of India’s heightened tensions with Turkey after it backed Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Turkey also condemned India’s counter-terrorism military strikes against Pakistan under Operation Sindoor.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol had also said that the decision was taken in view of “the call to protect national interests”. Following the BCAS order, Celebi Aviation India said they had no “political affiliations” or “links to any foreign government or individuals”.
“We are not a Turkish organisation by any standard and adhere fully to globally accepted practices of corporate governance, transparency, and neutrality, with no political affiliations or links to any foreign government or individuals,” the firm had said.
