Turkish firm not told about clearance revocation due to national security concerns: Centre

The Union government told the Delhi High Court on Thursday that Turkey-based airport ground handling firm Celebi could not be notified when its security clearance was revoked due to national security concerns amid recent tensions between India and Pakistan, reported Bar and Bench.

“When it is question of security, either we take action or we do not take action,” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told Justice Sachin Datta. “It is about pure subjective action while protecting the nation.”

Celebi Airport Services India operates at several Indian airports, including in Delhi and Mumbai.

Amid public anger in India about Turkish companies having sold weapons to Pakistan, India had on May 15 suspended Celebi’s security clearance “in the interest of national security”.

The company moved the High Court on May 16, challenging the Union government’s decision.

On Thursday, Mehta told the court that rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam gave the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security the power to carry out regulatory functions in matters relating to civil aviation security, reported Bar and Bench. The solicitor general pointed out that the firm has access to crucial airport and passenger data.

The matter will be heard on Friday.

During the hearing on Wednesday, the firm said that the Union government’s decision to revoke its security clearance has impacted more than 10,000...

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