Delhi HC Rejects Celebi’s Challenge to Revocation of Security Clearance

The Delhi High Court on Thursday, 31 July 2025, rejected a petition filed by Turkish company Celebi Ground Handling India Pvt. Ltd., which had contested the Central government’s move to withdraw its security clearance on grounds of national security.

The verdict was delivered by Justice Tejas Karia.

The High Court recently upheld the Centre’s decision to revoke security clearance for Celebi Airport Services and its affiliate, Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management, two companies operating in India under Turkish ownership.

The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, appeared for the Union, defending the government’s May 15, 2025, orders that terminated Celebi’s clearances, effectively shutting down its operations at major Indian airports.

The move came amidst growing diplomatic tensions, triggered by Turkey’s political alignment with Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor.

In a detailed 94-page judgment, Justice Sachin Datta sided with the Centre, holding that national security is an exception to the rule of natural justice, even if not explicitly stated in the Aircraft Security Rules.

The High Court had, on 23 May, reserved its verdict on a plea filed by Turkey-based Çelebi Airport Services Private Limited, challenging the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security’s (BCAS) decision to revoke its security clearance on the grounds of national security.

Celebi, operated in India for 17 years and had valid security clearances, which were renewed as recently as November 2022. Yet on May 15, 2025, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) abruptly revoked these clearances. At the same time, Celebi’s airport entry passes were reassigned to rival ground-handling agencies such as Air India SATS and Bird Worldwide.

Represented by Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, Celebi argued that the government's action was a textbook case of procedural unfairness. He argued that no show cause notice was served and no reasons were provided for the revocation. He further argued that his client was not even given an opportunity to respond.

Following the decision, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, through its official PIB handle on X, stated: “In exercise of the powers conferred upon the Director General, BCAS, the security clearance granted to Çelebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd. is hereby revoked with immediate effect, in the interest of national security.”

As per a Reuters report, Çelebi had asserted that the revocation of its security clearance was arbitrary and lacked specific justification.It had argued that the order only gave vague references to 'national security' without any elaboration.

Noting that the order was passed without prior notice, the company had further alleged that the order of revocation would impact the employment of nearly 3,791.

While acknowledging that its shareholders are registered in Turkey, the company had alleged that the ultimate control lies with groups that are incorporated outside Turkey and do not have Turkish origin.

Case Title: Celebi Ground Handling India Private Limited v. Union of India

Judgment Date: July 31, 2025

Bench: Tejas Karia