Delhi HC dismisses Celebi’s plea, upholds BCAS decision

The ground handling firm alleged that its license was cancelled without prior notice and substantive reasoning

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea by ground handling firm Celebi, which challenged the revocation of its security clearance by India’s aviation watchdog.

Celebi had challenged the BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) decision to revoke its security clearance, citing national security concerns.

The ground handling firm alleged that its license was cancelled without prior notice and substantive reasoning.

National security

However, the Delhi HC observed that national security can override the principle of natural justice.

Celebi is known to have deep links with Turkiye .

The BCAS had revoked Celebi’s security clearance on May 15, days after Turkiye backed Pakistan and condemned India’s strikes on terror camps in the neighbouring country.

The court rejected Celebi’s plea, stating that “no doubt, the principles of natural justice are sacrosanct; however, it is a compelling constitutional truth that security of the realm is the pre-condition for enjoyment of all other rights.”

Besides, the court justified the government’s prompt action, noting that ground handling services at airports offer deep access to airside operations, aircraft, cargo, passenger information systems, and security zones.

“Such unbridled access to vital installations and infrastructure naturally elevates the need for strict security vetting for operators, and their foreign affiliations,” the court observed.

Celebi Airport Services India Private Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Private Ltd , subsidiaries of the Turkish firm, were engaged in providing ground handling and cargo handling services at several Indian airports.

The decision is likely to have implications for other similar cases, including a pending plea by another Celebi subsidiary.

Published on July 7, 2025