'Better Safe Than Sorry': Delhi High Court On Turkish Firm Celebi's Plea Challenging Withdrawal Of Security Clearance

While hearing a case brought by Turkey-based firm Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd challenging the withdrawal of its security clearance, the Delhi High Court remarked on Monday (19 May) that 'it is better to be safe than sorry'.

The clearance was revoked by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on 15 May in response to Turkey's backing of Pakistan during the recent armed conflict with India, citing "national security", NDTV reported.

The company initially received security clearance in November 2022 and has been a key player in the Indian aviation industry, providing its services at nine different airports and employing more than 10,000 individuals.

Representing Celebi, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi that public opinion should not be a factor in job loss and asserted, "We are not a rogue company." However, a single bench of Justice Sachin Datta said, "Better safe than sorry is the rule."

Rohatgi claimed, "No reason mentioned, no opportunity of hearing given. It appears that it is because of public perception because the shareholding of this company is of Turkish nationals," and called for following of a procedure.

However, the court noted that providing a preliminary warning could potentially be detrimental in the context of national security concerns because if such a warning is issued, it could potentially expedite the feared actions.

Highlighting the safety concern, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, said, "Every such person knows the nook and cranny of aircraft and airports. Passenger's luggage is not cargo. All flights are passenger-cum-cargo."

"We are dealing with the most delicate subject of civil aviation and national security and sovereignty of the nation," he added, stating that the authority to grant a security clearance rests exclusively with the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The High Court postponed the case until 21 May and questioned the Centre about the regulations under which it withdrew the security clearance for Celebi.