‘Better Safe Than Sorry': Delhi HC's Observation On Centre's Action Against Turkey-Based Celebi
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Aviation watchdog BCAS had revoked the security clearance of Turkey-based firm Celebi, citing national security reasons.
'Better safe than sorry", the Delhi High Court observed while hearing pleas of Turkish company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and another firm against aviation watchdog BCAS' decision to revoke their security clearance.
During the hearing on Monday, the Centre opposed the pleas and cited 'national security" as the reason behind the BCAS order.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represented the government before Justice Sachin Datta, said that the call to revoke the clearance was taken in the interest of national security after certain inputs were received that continuing services of the petitioner firms would be 'hazardous" in the ongoing situation.
The BCAS had revoked the security clearance of the said companies on May 15, days after Turkey extended its support to Pakistan and condemned India's strikes on terror camps in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.
Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd was managing ground handling, while Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd was in charge of the cargo terminal operations.
'I am saying that it is a national security issue and the order (revoking clearance) reflects the same," Mehta said.
'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," the Solicitor General argued.
More to follow…
First Published:
May 19, 2025, 21:18 IST
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