Celebi calls Centre's move 'violation of rules', Delhi High Court reserves order

India Today

23-05-2025

The Delhi High Court on Friday reserved its order on a petition filed by Turkish firm Celebi Aviation Services India Pvt Ltd, challenging the government's decision to revoke its security clearance. The cancellation, initiated by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), has stirred legal and diplomatic ripples amid heightened tensions between India and Turkey.Appearing on behalf of Celebi, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that the BCAS action violated established legal procedure under Rule 12 of the Aircraft Security Rules. "This unilateral action is a complete violation of Rule 12 and renders the cancellation order both invalid and meaningless," Rohatgi submitted before the bench.advertisementRohatgi maintained that the government is required to present a factual basis for revoking a company's security clearance. "Even if you make rules related to security at the airport, you are bound by the rules. The government cannot say that if we have made the rule, we can violate it," said Rohatgi in court.
He further urged the court to ensure that reasons behind the cancellation are clearly recorded in writing, to establish transparency and legal accountability."They will have to follow the law and the court should record the reasons in writing so that it becomes known under which rule the action has been taken," he added.Meanwhile, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, informed the court that he would file written submissions by Saturday.During an earlier hearing on Wednesday, Rohatgi emphasised that Celebi had operated in India for 17 years without any allegations or lapses. He described the revocation as arbitrary and contrary to principles of natural justice. advertisementHe also pointed out that the legal framework governing aviation security had evolved, noting that earlier judgments were based on outdated regulations under the Aircraft Rules of 1937, whereas the current case falls under Rule 12 of the 2011 guidelines."Justice Kurian Joseph's judgment dealt with the Aircraft Rules of 1937, which are no longer applicable. There were new rules in 2011, and the current position is governed by Rule 12," he argued.The controversy began on May 15, when India revoked Celebi's security clearance citing national security concerns. The move followed a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press briefing on May 9, which pointed to the use of Turkish-origin drones in a cross-border attack by Pakistan.According to official statements and preliminary forensic analysis, debris from drones used in the May 8–9 overnight assault on Indian military and civilian targets confirmed they were Turkish-made "Asisguard Songar" models, designed for surveillance and precision strikes.Sources further claimed that Turkey not only supplied armed drones to Pakistan but also provided operational assistance, with Turkish operators reportedly guiding the strikes.Must Watch