Turkish Airport Services Company Fights Security Clearance Revocation in India
Turkish Airport Services Company Challenges Security Clearance Revocation
A Turkish airport services company, Celebi Airport Services Private Limited, is fighting back against the Indian government’s decision to revoke its security clearance, arguing that the move was unfair and damaging to its business.
Government’s Case
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked Celebi’s security clearance citing “national security” concerns. The government maintains that in unprecedented security situations, providing a hearing or reasons for revoking clearance might compromise national interests.
Celebi’s Arguments
Celebi, represented by Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, contends that its due process rights were violated. Rohatgi argues that the company was not given a notice or an opportunity to be heard before the decision was made, which he claims violates Rule 12 of the Aircraft Security Rules, 2023.
Furthermore, Celebi strongly objects to the practice of the government sharing its reasons for revoking security clearance in a sealed cover, arguing that the Supreme Court has disapproved of this practice. A lack of transparency, Celebi maintains, prevents them from effectively defending themselves.
Impact on Celebi’s Business
Rohatgi emphasized the severe impact this decision has had on Celebi’s operations in India. He stated that all of Celebi’s contracts with various airport operators across the country are being canceled as a direct result of the security clearance revocation. This, he argues, is crippling their business.
“All my contracts across the nation, the impact of this decision is that all my contracts with airport operators are being cancelled one by one. I don’t blame them because they are saying ‘I am sorry sir, Delhi is the boss’,” he said.
Celebi claims that the revocation of its security clearance, without any specific reasons or warnings, threatens 3,791 jobs and investor confidence.
Next Steps
The Delhi High Court has reserved its verdict on Celebi’s plea. Both parties have been asked to submit written arguments by Monday. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for Celebi’s future in India and for the broader legal landscape surrounding national security and due process.
