The Bombay High Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of Turkish firm Celebi Nas Airport Services India’s petition challenging the termination of its contract by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL). The hearing was postponed to June 25 after both parties, Celebi and MIAL, mutually sought additional time to present their arguments.
The legal dispute arises in the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, after India’s aviation security regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India. The decision to cancel the clearance was reportedly based on national security concerns. Following this, MIAL terminated its contract with Celebi, which had been providing ground-handling and airport services at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Celebi, a Turkish company holding a 59 per cent stake in Celebi Nas Airport Services India, has contested the revocation and the subsequent termination. In its plea before the Bombay High Court, the company termed both decisions “arbitrary” and “unjustified”, arguing that the actions were taken without due process or substantial reasoning. The firm filed three separate petitions, seeking relief from the court and restoration of its operational status.
The controversy also gained political overtones after Turkiye publicly supported Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor. While officials have not confirmed a direct link, this diplomatic stance reportedly intensified scrutiny of Turkish firms operating in India, particularly in sensitive sectors like aviation.
The Bombay High Court, while adjourning the matter, did not issue any interim relief. The case will now be heard on June 25.