The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the central government to demonstrate the “genuine apprehension” it had that warranted the revocation of a civil aviation license without prior notice, underscoring the need for transparency even in matters flagged under national security.
The bench was hearing a case concerning the revocation of ground-handling firm Celebi’s license. The next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the government, defended the move by citing national security concerns. “We are dealing with the most delicate subject of civil aviation and the sovereignty of the nation,” Mehta said, referencing a letter from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. He emphasised that the Ministry retains the exclusive right to revoke licenses without assigning reasons under certain circumstances.
Mehta clarified that while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) usually offers a hearing when rules are violated, in situations of perceived serious threat, Clause 9 — not Rule 12 — applies. “Even a potential threat during sensitive times justifies immediate action,” he argued.
On the other hand, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Celebi, countered that the government must establish that the threat was grave enough to bypass due process. “There can't be a carte blanche under the guise of national security,” Rohatgi asserted. “The onus is on the government to prove that the apprehension was serious enough to warrant no notice.”
Celebi Aviation's Petition
Turkish ground handling company Celebi Aviation had filed a legal petition in a Delhi court challenging the government’s decision to revoke its security clearance, a development that has impacted the company’s operations at major airports in the country.
According to a Reuters report, Celebi Aviation’s Indian unit had questioned the grounds on which the clearance was withdrawn. “The national security reason for revocation is vague,” the company said in its filing.
The government had, on Thursday, revoked the security clearance required for Celebi to operate in India, citing unspecified national security concerns. The clearance is a prerequisite under Indian law for companies providing critical services at airports, including passenger and baggage handling.
The government's decision follows reports that the Pakistani army had used Turkish drones against India in the conflict last week. Nonetheless, Turkey has also expressed its support to Pakistan in 'good and bad' times after India's Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in the neighbouring nation.
Celebi Aviation has been operating in India for over a decade, providing ground handling services at several airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
After the BCAS decision, operations of various entities of Celebi Hava Servisi AS have been suspended. They are Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd (CASI), Celebi GH India Pvt Ltd (CGHI), Celebi Nas Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd, and Celebi GS Chennai Pvt Ltd (CGSC).
The company unequivocally refuted all misleading and factually incorrect allegations circulating on social media regarding the company's ownership and operations in India.
"We would like to place on record the facts surrounding our ownership structure and long-standing presence in the country. Celebi Aviation India is a professionally governed, globally operated aviation services company. Today, it is majority-owned (65%) by international institutional investors from across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Western Europe. Actera Partners II L.P., a Jersey-registered fund holds 50% ownership in Celebi Havacilik Holding AS The remaining 15% is held by Alpha Airport Services BV, a Dutch-registered entity," Celebi said in a statement.
Prior to the revocation, Celebi was managing 540,000 tons of cargo across 58,000 flights. At India's nine airports, Celebi provides passenger services, load control and flight operations, and ramp services, ensuring smooth coordination and efficiency on the ground. The company also provided specialised support for general aviation, as well as cargo and postal handling. Additionally, Celebi managed warehouse operations and bridge operation services, contributing to a seamless airport experience for both passengers and cargo.
The Turkish company handles around 70% of the ground operations at Mumbai airport, including passenger services, load control, flight operations, cargo and postal services, warehouses and bridge operations.
The bench was hearing a case concerning the revocation of ground-handling firm Celebi’s license. The next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the government, defended the move by citing national security concerns. “We are dealing with the most delicate subject of civil aviation and the sovereignty of the nation,” Mehta said, referencing a letter from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. He emphasised that the Ministry retains the exclusive right to revoke licenses without assigning reasons under certain circumstances.
Mehta clarified that while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) usually offers a hearing when rules are violated, in situations of perceived serious threat, Clause 9 — not Rule 12 — applies. “Even a potential threat during sensitive times justifies immediate action,” he argued.
On the other hand, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Celebi, countered that the government must establish that the threat was grave enough to bypass due process. “There can't be a carte blanche under the guise of national security,” Rohatgi asserted. “The onus is on the government to prove that the apprehension was serious enough to warrant no notice.”
Celebi Aviation's Petition
Turkish ground handling company Celebi Aviation had filed a legal petition in a Delhi court challenging the government’s decision to revoke its security clearance, a development that has impacted the company’s operations at major airports in the country.
According to a Reuters report, Celebi Aviation’s Indian unit had questioned the grounds on which the clearance was withdrawn. “The national security reason for revocation is vague,” the company said in its filing.
The government had, on Thursday, revoked the security clearance required for Celebi to operate in India, citing unspecified national security concerns. The clearance is a prerequisite under Indian law for companies providing critical services at airports, including passenger and baggage handling.
The government's decision follows reports that the Pakistani army had used Turkish drones against India in the conflict last week. Nonetheless, Turkey has also expressed its support to Pakistan in 'good and bad' times after India's Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in the neighbouring nation.
Celebi Aviation has been operating in India for over a decade, providing ground handling services at several airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
After the BCAS decision, operations of various entities of Celebi Hava Servisi AS have been suspended. They are Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd (CASI), Celebi GH India Pvt Ltd (CGHI), Celebi Nas Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd, and Celebi GS Chennai Pvt Ltd (CGSC).
The company unequivocally refuted all misleading and factually incorrect allegations circulating on social media regarding the company's ownership and operations in India.
"We would like to place on record the facts surrounding our ownership structure and long-standing presence in the country. Celebi Aviation India is a professionally governed, globally operated aviation services company. Today, it is majority-owned (65%) by international institutional investors from across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Western Europe. Actera Partners II L.P., a Jersey-registered fund holds 50% ownership in Celebi Havacilik Holding AS The remaining 15% is held by Alpha Airport Services BV, a Dutch-registered entity," Celebi said in a statement.
Prior to the revocation, Celebi was managing 540,000 tons of cargo across 58,000 flights. At India's nine airports, Celebi provides passenger services, load control and flight operations, and ramp services, ensuring smooth coordination and efficiency on the ground. The company also provided specialised support for general aviation, as well as cargo and postal handling. Additionally, Celebi managed warehouse operations and bridge operation services, contributing to a seamless airport experience for both passengers and cargo.
The Turkish company handles around 70% of the ground operations at Mumbai airport, including passenger services, load control, flight operations, cargo and postal services, warehouses and bridge operations.
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