The Delhi High Court on Monday (July 7, 2025) rejected a plea by Turkiye-based Celebi, an operator at multiple airports across India, challenging the revocation of its security clearance.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Safety (BCAS) on May 15 revoked the security clearance of the firms just days after Turkiye backed Pakistan and condemned India’s strikes on terror camps in the neighbouring country.
Celebi had contended the Centre’s move was against the principles of natural justice and in violation of the procedure under the Aircraft Security Rules.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, had defended the decision to revoke the security clearance of Turkiye-based firms without warning as it was “dealing with a sui generis situation where there is a potential threat to the country’s civil aviation security at various airports…”.
Mr Mehta had stated that the firms were involved in ground and cargo handling, with access to aircraft and cargo screening at several airports, including those handling VIP movements — prompting authorities to exercise their “plenary powers” under the relevant law to take action.
Celebi had contended that is has been operating in India for the last 17 years. It said no opportunity was given to the firms before the security clearances were revoked.
