Centre opposes Turkish firm Celebi’s plea against revoking of security clearance

A view of Delhi High Court.
| Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

The Union government on Monday (May 19, 2025) opposed a plea in the Delhi High Court by Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd. and another associated company, challenging the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security’s (BCAS) decision to revoke their security clearances.

Also read | Turkish firm Celebi moves Delhi HC against revoking of security clearance

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, submitted that the revocation was a national security measure based on specific intelligence inputs. “I am saying this is a national security issue and the order (revoking clearance) reflects the same. There are two category of contracts in which the petitioners are dealing in. One is the airport handling contract and another is cargo handling contract,” Mr. Mehta said.

Stressing the sensitivity of the operations handled by the firms, Mr. Mehta said, “The enemy can try 10 times and succeed once, country has to succeed all the time.” In response, the Bench observed, “The rule is better safe than sorry.”

The BCAS revoked the security clearances days after Turkey backed Pakistan and criticised 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. were operating ground handling and cargo terminal services at several Indian airports.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the petitioners, contended that the companies had been functioning in India for 17 years “without any blemish”. He further argued that the firms were not given an opportunity to respond prior to the revocation.

“No reason was given (in the order). It appears to be because of public perception. Because the shareholdings of these companies is of Turkish nationals. We employ 14,000 people across airports in India. They are not a rogue companies. By a one line order, the entire business goes for a toss,” Mr. Rohatgi submitted.

The matter is slated for further hearing on May 21.