National Security Concerns Prompt Centre to Revoke Celebi Airport Services’ Clearance

NATIONAL: National Security Concerns Prompt Centre to Revoke Celebi Airport Services’ Clearance

Delhi High Court Reviews Government Decision Amid Sealed Security Inputs

In a high-stakes legal faceoff, the Centre defended its revocation of security clearance to Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., a Turkish-origin aviation ground-handling company, citing classified inputs that deemed the firm’s continued operations as a “hazardous” risk to national interest.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, through the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), issued the order on May 15, triggering immediate legal challenge from Celebi, which had operated in India for 17 uninterrupted years.

Celebi Challenges Order as Legally Unsubstantiated

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Celebi, contended before Justice Sachin Datta of the Delhi High Court that the decision was driven by “public perception” of Turkish shareholding, rather than any substantive misconduct or legal breach.

“Public perception cannot justify the termination of a company employing over 14,000 people. Celebi is not a rogue operator,” Rohatgi argued.

He emphasized Celebi’s clean operational track record, arguing that the BCAS order lacked a detailed justification and was vague in citing “national security” as the sole rationale.

Government Submits Classified Inputs in Sealed Cover

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the government’s position, stating that it had received credible intelligence inputs making Celebi’s continued presence in Indian airports untenable.

“Disclosure of the underlying reasons would be detrimental to sovereignty and national security,” Mehta said, submitting a sealed document for the court’s perusal.

Justice Datta reviewed the sealed inputs and adjourned the matter for further hearing on May 21.

Operational Fallout Across Major Airports

Until recently, Celebi Airport Services was active at nine major airports, including:

The sudden cancellation of security clearance prompted logistical disruptions at these airports, compelling authorities to arrange contingency ground-handling support to avoid service breakdowns.

Broader Diplomatic Undertones

The revocation order follows growing tensions between India and Turkey, primarily due to Ankara’s increasing alignment with Pakistan in both diplomatic and defense sectors. While no official statement directly connects Celebi’s ownership to this geopolitical strain, the timing and nature of the government’s action have drawn attention.

Celebi’s Plea: National Security Cannot Be Rhetorical

In its petition, Celebi argued that invoking national security without detailing the specific nature of threat does not meet legal standards. The company has requested the court to quash the BCAS order and reinstate its security clearance.