New Delhi: In a case highlighting the tension between business interests and national security, the Delhi High Court on Monday heard a plea by Turkey-based Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd. The company challenged the revocation of its security clearance after Turkey publicly supported Pakistan during recent tensions with India.
Justice Sachin Datta presided over the hearing. The court remarked, “It is better to be safe than sorry,” emphasizing that national security must come first.
Why Was Celebi’s Security Clearance Cancelled?
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) recently withdrew Celebi’s clearance. The decision came soon after Turkey sided with Pakistan and condemned India’s cross-border strikes. Authorities said the move was made purely in the interest of national security.
Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court:
“The enemy only needs to succeed once. We must succeed every time. National security, especially in civil aviation, is the highest priority.”
He handed over sealed documents containing intelligence inputs that influenced the decision.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Celebi, claimed the decision was unfair and abrupt.
“We have been operating in India for 17 years without any wrongdoing. This order was passed without hearing us,” Rohatgi said.
He added that the company’s Turkish ownership appeared to be the sole reason for the action and insisted that public perception should not affect livelihoods.
“14,000 people work with us. One-line orders can’t destroy an entire business built over years,” he argued.
Celebi also submitted confidential agreements with the Indian government in a sealed cover for the court’s review.
Justice Datta stressed that national security concerns can override procedural fairness in certain cases.
“The rule of proportionality cannot always apply when national security is at stake,” the Solicitor General added.
The next hearing is scheduled for May 21 (Wednesday).
About Celebi in India
Celebi has been present in India for over 15 years
It operates at 9 airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad
It handles 58,000 flights and over 5.4 lakh tonnes of cargo annually
The company employs over 10,000 people across India
Security clearance was granted in November 2022
In a public statement, Celebi Aviation India said it follows all Indian aviation, tax, and national security regulations. The company denied any wrongdoing and reaffirmed its commitment to India’s aviation sector.
Geopolitical Context
During a recent military flare-up, Pakistan deployed Turkish drones, all of which were neutralized by Indian defence forces. The strategic ties between Turkey and Pakistan have added pressure on Turkish firms operating in India.
This case may now set a precedent for how India balances foreign investments with security concerns, especially from countries seen as hostile or strategically aligned with adversaries.
