Delhi HC rejects the call of the Turkish airline Celipi against the cancellation of security clearance

On Monday, the Delhi Supreme Court rejected the petition submitted by the Turkish Airport Serport Services India PVT LTD, which challenges the government’s decision to cancel its security statement on the basis of national security. Judge Sashin Data refused the petitions presented by Celebi Airport Services India PVT LTD and Celebi Dehi Cargo Terminal Management India PVT LTD, which runs ground handling and goods in many Indian airports. The ruling was seized on May 23.

The Civil Aviation Security Office (BCAS) withdrew the security clearance of Celebi on May 15, citing national security services. This decision was followed by Turkey’s open support for Pakistan and the condemnation of Indian strikes in terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan, which has caused public anger in India.

Celebi, part of the Celebi group in Türkiye, has worked in the aviation sector in India for more than 15 years and hired more than 10,000 people at nine airports. The recently withdrawn security clearance was granted in November 2022.

The central government’s lawyer defended the cancellation, saying that there is an “unprecedented threat” to aviation security, which requires immediate action. In a written statement submitted on May 19, the center said that clearance was withdrawn based on specific inputs indicating that the continuation of Celebi services will pose risks under the current circumstances.

Celby’s lawyer has argued that the government’s move violated the principles of natural justice and procedures under aircraft security rules. He said that the general manager of BCAS should have issued a notification, and provided an opportunity for a listening session, and recorded reasons before taking such a step.

The government maintained the cancellation of security clearance “with an immediate impact in the interest of national security.” The Ministry of Aviation and the Minister of Aviation, Mourlidhar Mohoul, also defended the decision, noting public demands for Celby’s ban because of Türkiye’s position in Pakistan.

With the dismissal of the Supreme Court, the BCAS cancellation order stands, which directly affects Celebi operations in India. The detailed judgment will be loaded soon.