Delhi High Court will hear Turkish firm Celebi’s plea on May 19 against the aviation authority’s decision to cancel its security clearance. The clearance was revoked citing “national security” after Turkey backed Pakistan.
New Delhi: Today, On May 18, The Delhi High Court will hear two legal petitions on Monday, May 19, filed by Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd—a company from Turkey—and another firm.
These petitions challenge the decision made by India’s aviation security regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which recently cancelled their security clearance.
BCAS had revoked the security clearance of these companies, stating that the move was taken “in the interest of national security.”
The decision came shortly after the Turkish government publicly supported Pakistan and criticized India’s air strikes on terrorist camps located in Pakistan.
The petitions were officially submitted on Friday and are listed for hearing before Justice Sachin Datta at the Delhi High Court on Monday.
The companies are seeking legal protection and want the court to intervene in the decision that has affected their operations at Indian airports.
The exact reason cited by BCAS for cancelling the security clearance was “in the interest of national security.”
This step has led the affected firms to approach the judiciary, as security clearance is mandatory for operating on sensitive airport premises in India.
Without this clearance, the firms are unable to carry out their ground-handling services and other related operations.
The development follows a diplomatic incident where Turkey had shown support towards Pakistan in a sensitive geopolitical matter involving India’s counter-terrorism measures.
India had conducted air strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan, which was followed by Turkey’s reaction, reportedly backing Pakistan and criticizing India.
After this reaction, the Indian aviation authority took the decision to revoke the security clearance of the Turkish firm.
The case is now being closely watched, as it deals with the balance between national security and international business interests.
It also raises questions about the effect of diplomatic relations on foreign investments and companies operating in India.
The Delhi High Court, under Justice Sachin Datta, will now decide whether the BCAS decision to revoke the security clearance stands legal scrutiny or needs to be re-evaluated.
The matter will come up for its first hearing on May 19.
