Latest news with #SachinDutta
India Today
7 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Delhi High Court rejects Celebi's plea challenging revocation of security clearance
The Delhi High Court has issued a 94-page verdict upholding the cancellation of Celebi Aviation's ground handling contract at Indian airports. The Turkish company had challenged the decision, citing lack of adequate hearing and violation of natural justice. However, the court emphasised that national security takes precedence over the company's interests. Justice Sachin Dutta's bench ruled that the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has the authority to revoke security clearances based on intelligence inputs. The court accepted the government's submission of evidence in a sealed cover, stating the necessity of maintaining secrecy in matters of national security. The verdict highlighted the need to eliminate possibilities of espionage or dual logistics, especially in the event of external conflicts.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Clearance nixed without hearing us, Celebi tells HC
NEW DELHI: Turkiye-based Pvt Ltd submitted before Delhi HC Wednesday that withdrew the firm's without any prior notice or opportunity for a hearing, thereby disregarding the regulations governing the sector as well as the principles of natural justice. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The company also insisted that its workforce was Indian, and offered to replace Turkish staff, if that was a concern. Govt had revoked the security clearance of Celebi, which handles operations at nine major airports in India, citing concerns over following 's support to Pakistan during Op Sindoor. Citing the Aircraft (Security) Rules-2023, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for Celebi, argued before a bench of Justice Sachin Dutta that granting a hearing is a statutory requirement. Govt is not entitled to create exceptions to the rules it has made, he said. According to rule 12 of the Aircraft (Security) Rules, govt can suspend a company's security clearance for up to one year or cancel it entirely, after providing a hearing opportunity and documenting the reasons. This applies when national security or civil aviation security and interests are at risk, or when entities fail to comply with the security clearance conditions, programmes or rules. "You have to have reasons. Reasons to be recorded in writing rules out subjectivity," Rohatgi said, seeking transparency on Centre's decision. Cebelbi objected to govt submitting the grounds for revocation of clearance in a sealed envelope to the court. Centre Monday had said revealing the reasons could harm national interests. Centre will present its arguments Thursday.
