Better Safe Than…”: Court On Centre’s Move Against Turkey-Based Firm

New Delhi:

It is better to be safe than sorry, the Delhi high court remarked on Monday, as it heard a petition by Turkey-based company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd against the revocation of its security clearance in the wake of the country’s support to Pakistan amid tensions with India.

On May 15, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked Celebi’s security clearance, citing “national security”, days after Turkey backed Pakistan and condemned India’s strikes on terror camps in the neighbouring country and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The security clearance to the company was given in November 2022. 

“The rule is better safe than sorry,” a single bench of justice Sachin Datta told senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi who appeared for the aviation firm. 

Celebi operated in the Indian aviation sector for more years, offering its services at nine airports and employing over 10,000 people. It handles around 58,000 flights and 5,40,00 tonnes of cargo annually in India, PTI quoted its website as saying.

The court’s remarks came as Mr Rohtagi said public perception cannot be used to take away employment. “We are not a rogue company,” he said.