Turkish Aviation Firm Challenges India’s Security Clearance Revocation in Court

Celebi Airport Services India, a Turkish-based company, has filed a legal petition with the Delhi High Court to overturn the Indian government’s decision to revoke its security clearance. The company argues that the decision threatens 3,791 jobs, undermines investor confidence, and was made without prior notice. Celebi contends that the government’s citation of “national security” lacks specific justification, describing the rationale as vague and legally insufficient. The filing, which is not publicly available, emphasizes that the order provides no detailed reasoning for the revocation. The case is expected to be heard on Monday, and India’s government has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The revocation, announced on Thursday, was justified by India’s junior aviation minister, Murlidhar Mohol, who stated on X that the decision followed widespread public demands to ban Celebi to safeguard national interests. The Shiv Sena, a key ally in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, protested against Celebi in Mumbai earlier this week, urging the city’s airport to cut ties with the firm. Celebi noted in its filing that it provides ground handling services at airports in New Delhi, Kerala, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Goa, having passed rigorous background checks by Indian security and intelligence agencies prior to operating. Late Thursday, Delhi Airport announced on X that it had terminated its association with Celebi for ground handling and cargo operations.

Celebi clarified that, despite its shareholders being registered in Turkey, the majority control of the company is held by entities not incorporated in Turkey, distancing itself from direct Turkish ownership.