New Delhi: It is better to be safe than sorry, the Delhi High Court observed on Monday while hearing a petition filed by Turkey-based company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd, challenging the revocation of its security clearance.
Last week, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, revoked the security clearance of Celebi India, which provided passenger and cargo ground-handling services at several major Indian airports.
The government took the decision in the interest of “national security” after Turkey supported Pakistan and condemned India’s military action against its neighbour.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Centre, said the decision 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.
Mehta handed over some records and documents to the court in a sealed cover in support of his claims.
Appearing for Celebi, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi asserted that one-sided action was taken against the company and no opportunity was given to hear its side.
“We have been operating for the last 17 years without any fault. We are engaged in ground handling and other services at various airports. I think this happened due to public perception,” Rohatgi argued.
“Public perception cannot be the reason for snatching the livelihood of 14,000 people. A one-line order was passed to cancel the approval,” he said, urging the court to look at the shareholding of Celebi Airports.
Taking such a step was not fair and justifiable, Mehta contended.
“The rule is better safe than sorry,” a single bench of justice Sachin Datta told Rohatgi.
