On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court heard a petition from ground handling service provider Celebi. The company is challenging the government's decision to revoke its security clearance. Representing Celebi, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi remarked that the situation is highly serious as the decision is leading to contract cancellations with airport operators.
Rohatgi stressed that Celebi has maintained an impeccable record over the past 17 years. He informed the court that Celebi is an Indian company with 10,000 Indian employees. He pointed out that these staff members have now been redeployed with other ground operators, arguing, “The employees remain the same, yet the domestic firm is being excluded.”
Highlighting Aviation Security Regulations
He referenced aviation security regulations, explaining that while the rules initially established in 1937 have evolved, the current Rule 12 is in place. Rohatgi insisted that when stringent decisions are made, natural justice principles must apply, and under Rule 12, the company should have been granted a hearing opportunity.
Celebi's lawyer also noted they were neither notified nor informed of any allegations. He stated, “I'm not asking for the reasons, but I am in the dark. I have the right to know the charges against me.”
The court then inquired whether the law mandates document disclosure, to which Rohatgi replied that, as per the regulations, they should have at least been informed of the charges.
Hearing to Continue on Thursday
Rohatgi further argued that if the issue was with Turkish staff, they could have been removed. He noted, “Had it been communicated, a resolution could have been found. But no opportunity was provided.”
The court advised him to remain focused on legal arguments, to which he clarified that they were not seeking any specific directives, merely pointing out non-compliance with rules. The court then adjourned the hearing until Thursday, allowing Celebi's arguments to continue further.
Turkey Backed Pakistan, Prompting Indian Government Action
Notably, during a ceasefire violation, Turkey sided with Pakistan, leading to opposition from India. Consequently, the Indian government promptly annulled the security clearance agreement with Turkish ground handling service provider Celebi Aviation, citing national security interests, which was confirmed by an official order.
Following India's action, Turkish company Celebi clarified that 65% of its ownership belongs to international investors from countries like Canada, the USA, the UK, Singapore, UAE, and Western Europe. Of this 65%, a Dutch company, 'Alpha Airport Services BV,' owns 15%, while two members of the Turkish Celebioglu family, Can and Canaan Celebioglu, jointly hold a 35% stake, with neither having any political affiliations.
