The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by Turkey-based aviation ground services provider firm Celebi Airport Services Private Limited, which had challenged the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security’s (BCAS) decision to revoke its security clearance citing “national security” concerns. The court had reserved its verdict on May 23 after hearing all parties.
After India’s Operation Sindoor on terrorist hideouts in May, the following military escalation from Pakistan was supported by Turkey. The Centre then moved to cancel Celebi’s clearance in the “interest of national security”.
In its plea, Celebi urged the Delhi High Court to set aside that decision as it would impact 3,791 jobs and investor confidence and was issued without any warning to the company.
More details of the court proceedings are expected to be published online.
Centre argued that courts have previously held that in some cases national security concerns can outweigh the requirement of fairness. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said in May that airport ground operators have detailed access to the physical infrastructure as well as passenger details, including VIP movements.