Our Bureau
New Delhi
The Turkish firm Celebi whose security clearance recently got revoked had appealed in the Delhi High Court against the revocation. However, the High Court on Monday, July 7th has rejected the petition of the Turkish firm and upheld the decision of revoking their license.
The whole fiasco started when on May 15th the Bureau of Civil Aviation Safety (BCAS) revoked their license for security clearance. The step was taken just days after Turkey supported Pakistan and condemned India for carrying out Operation Sindoor and striking terrorist camps situated on Pakistan’s soil.
Then on May 19th the central government decided that it could be hazardous for India if companies of such origins would continue their services in India. They stated that it could be against the interest of national security considering the dire times if these companies would be allowed to serve in the country.
The plea was taken to the court where the central government was represented by the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. Mehta stated that the continuation of Celebi was actually an “unprecedented” threat to aviation security of the country. However, Celebi refuted the claims and stated that the claims made by the centre were unjust.
Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi was the representative for the Turkish firm and he stated that the move by the Central government is against the principles of natural justice and in violation of the procedure under the Aircraft Security Rules. He pointed out that the Director General of BCAS was supposed to give the petitioners a hearing after giving notice of “proposed punishment” and were also obliged to give reasons for their action.
Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd are responsible for the ground handling and cargo terminal functions across various airports in the country. The Turkish firm has served for over 15 years in India and employed over 10,000 people.
