Delhi High Court rejects Celebi’s appeal and maintains the BCAS ruling

The ground handling company Celebi filed a plea against the cancellation of its security certification by India’s aviation body, but the Delhi High Court rejected it. Citing national security concerns, Celebi had contested the BCAS’s (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) decision to remove its security clearance. The ground handling company claimed that its license was revoked without providing any justification or advance warning. Nonetheless, the Delhi High Court noted that the norm of natural justice can be superseded by national security. It is well known that Celebi and Turkiye are closely related.

On May 15, days after Turkiye supported Pakistan and denounced India’s attacks on terror facilities in the neighboring country, the BCAS canceled Celebi’s security clearance. Celebi’s request was denied by the court, which stated that “it is a compelling constitutional truth that security of the realm is the pre-condition for enjoyment of all other rights, but there is no doubt that the principles of natural justice are sacrosanct.” Additionally, the court defended the government’s swift action by pointing out that airport ground handling firms provide deep access to security zones, planes, cargo, passenger information systems, and airside activities.

The court noted, “Strict security vetting for operators and their foreign affiliations is naturally elevated by such unrestricted access to vital installations and infrastructure.” The Turkish company’s subsidiaries Celebi Airport Services India Private Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Private Ltd were involved in ground handling and cargo handling at a number of Indian airports. Other similar instances, such as a pending plea by another Celebi subsidiary, are likely to be affected by the ruling.