Latest news with #BharatiyaVayuyanAdhiniyam
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
No prior notice to Celebi due to national security concerns: Centre tells Delhi HC
NEW DELHI: The central government told the Delhi High Court on Thursday that it could not give prior notice or a chance to be heard to Turkish ground handling company Celebi Airport Services India before revoking its security clearance, citing national security concerns linked to the India-Pakistan conflict. Representing the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said before Justice Sachin Datta that when it comes to matters of security, swift and decisive action must be taken. 'In cases involving national security, it's not about procedures. We either act or we don't. These are decisions based on protecting the country,' Mehta explained. He pointed to Section 5 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, which allows the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security to carry out regulatory oversight on civil aviation safety and security matters. He called this case 'unusual' and referred to possible threats at airports. Celebi, a company that handles cargo and ground services at airports, was said to have access to sensitive information. 'Many airlines can't afford their own staff and rely on companies like Celebi. These operators handle critical systems, they know flight timings, VIP movement, and luggage details,' Mehta added. Responding to Celebi's argument that they were not given a chance to respond before their clearance was cancelled, Mehta said such a step could undermine the very reason behind the decision. 'When the country faces unpredictable situations, explaining the move or giving a hearing can sometimes defeat the purpose,' he argued.
Scroll.in
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scroll.in
No notice of security clearance revocation to Turkish firm due to national security concerns: Centre
The Union government told the Delhi High Court on Thursday that Turkey-based airport ground handling firm Celebi could not be notified when its security clearance was revoked due to national security concerns amid recent tensions between India and Pakistan, reported Bar and Bench. 'When it is question of security, either we take action or we do not take action,' Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told Justice Sachin Datta. 'It is about pure subjective action while protecting the nation.' Celebi Airport Services India operates at several Indian airports, including in Delhi and Mumbai. Amid public anger in India about Turkish companies having sold weapons to Pakistan, India had on May 15 suspended Celebi's security clearance 'in the interest of national security'. The company moved the High Court on May 16, challenging the Union government's decision. On Thursday, Mehta told the court that rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam gave the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security the power to carry out regulatory functions in matters relating to civil aviation security, reported Bar and Bench. The solicitor general pointed out that the firm has access to crucial airport and passenger data. The matter will be heard on Friday. During the hearing on Wednesday, the firm said that the Union government's decision to revoke its security clearance has impacted more than 10,000 employees in India. Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the company, told the High Court that the firm has no ties to the Turkish government and no conflicts or problems with India. Rohatgi had also submitted that the Indian government's action was contrary to law. He said that under the Aircraft Security Rules, 2023, it is mandatory to provide the company an opportunity to be heard, and that 'the maker of rule is not entitled to create an exception, otherwise, rule would have said it does not apply in emergent situation'. Celebi moves Bombay High Court Meanwhile, Çelebi Aviation Holding's Indian subsidiary has also moved the Bombay High Court after the Union government's revocation of its security clearance prompted the termination of its agreements at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Bar and Bench reported on Thursday. In a regulatory filing to the Turkish stock exchange Borsa Istanbul on Monday, Çelebi Aviation said its Indian subsidiary, Çelebi Nas, has initiated three legal cases before the Bombay High Court. The first is a writ petition asking the court to pause and cancel the Union government's revocation of its security clearance. The petition names as respondents the Union of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, the Airports Authority of India and the Regional Civil Aviation Office in Mumbai.
