The Delhi High Court on Monday stood by the Indian government’s decision to revoke the security clearance of Turkey-based Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, stating, “The rule is better safe than sorry,” as tensions continue to simmer between India and Turkey following Turkey’s support for Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked Celebi’s clearance on May 15, citing “national security”. This action came shortly after Turkey publicly condemned India’s airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Celebi, a major ground handling service provider in India, operates at nine airports, employs over 10,000 people, and manages approximately 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
During the court hearing, Justice Sachin Datta remarked, “Better safe than sorry,” while hearing the company’s petition against the revocation. Representing Celebi, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that the decision was driven by public perception and lacked procedural fairness.
“We are not a rogue company,” Rohatgi asserted. “No reason mentioned, no opportunity of hearing given. It appears that it is because of public perception because the shareholding of this company is of Turkish nationals. My lords, there is a procedure that must be followed. One cannot trample my business with a two-line letter without notice.”
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However, the bench responded that issuing a prior notice might compromise national interests:
“If such a notice is served, then it may hasten one to do what is apprehended,” the judge noted.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, underscored the sensitivity of airport operations and national security.
“Every such person knows the nook and cranny of aircraft and airports… We are dealing with the most delicate subject of civil aviation and national security and sovereignty of the nation,” he said.
Referring to Celebi’s plea, Mehta said the Civil Aviation Ministry holds absolute authority to issue or revoke security clearances, and is not obligated to offer reasons in matters involving national security.
“In such matters, there cannot be a doctrine of proportionality,” he stressed.
“The enemy can make 10 attempts and has to succeed in one. Security agencies have to succeed on all 10 occasions.”
In its submission, Celebi contended that the government’s order was based on “vague and unspecified concerns”, and demanded clarification on the provisions under which the clearance was withdrawn.
The High Court has adjourned the matter until May 21, and directed the Centre to explain the legal grounds behind the revocation.
This legal and diplomatic dispute unfolds amid a broader geopolitical rift. Following India’s military action in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack — which left 26 tourists dead — Turkey and Azerbaijan publicly backed Pakistan. This triggered calls for boycott in India.
The Confederation of All India Traders has since announced a complete halt in trade and business engagement with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Several travel portals have also reported a sharp drop in bookings and a rise in cancellations to both countries.
