Celebi Airlines Clearance Row: 'Better Safe Than Sorry', Says Delhi High Court | Indo-Pak Tensions

Amid the row over the recent clearance revocation of Turkey-based company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd over the nation supporting Pakistan in Indo-Pak tensions, Delhi High Court on Monday reportedly said that 'it was better to be safe than sorry'.

The court was hearing a plea challenging the revocation of its security clearance by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Delhi High Court's remark came days after BCAS revoked the security clearance in the interest of "national security."

During the recent military standoff with India, Pakistan also largely used Turkish drones while they were all neutralised by the India's extensive air defence systems.

Moreover, the Centre also opposed the pleas of the Turkish company and another firm challenging the decision of aviation watchdog BCAS revoking its security clearance.

Appearing before Justice Sachin Datta, Centre's Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued the decision was taken in the interest of national security in light of certain inputs that continuing the services of the petitioner companies would be hazardous in the current scenario.

"I am saying that it is a national security issue and the order (revoking clearance) reflects the same," he said while adding, "Enemy can make 10 attempts and has to succeed in one. While security agencies have to succeed on all 10 occasions. National security based upon civil aviation security has to be placed on the highest pedestal."

Appearing for Celebi, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi asserted that one-sided action was taken against the company and no opportunity was given to hear its side.

"We have been operating for the last 17 years without any fault. We are engaged in ground handling and other services at various airports. I think this happened due to public perception," he said.

Rohatgi said the court should look at the shareholding of Celebi Airports. "Public perception cannot be the reason for snatching the livelihood of 14,000 people. A one-line order was passed to cancel the approval," he said.

"Since the shareholding of this firm is with a Turkish company. But, taking such a step on the basis of public perception is not fair and justifiable," he argued.

Celebi Airlines In India

As per media reports, Celebi has been functioning in the Indian aviation sector for over 15 years and has employed over 10,000 people. The security clearance to the company, part of Turkey's Celebi, was given in November 2022.

Celebi reportedly operates around 58,000 flights and 5,40,00 tonnes of cargo annually in India across airports in Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Kannur, Bangalore, Goa, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Chennai.

Amid the row over clearance revocation, Celebi Aviation India earlier said it remains in full compliance with Indian aviation, national security, and tax regulations, and operates with complete transparency.