Turkish ground handling company Çelebi Aviation has initiated a series of legal actions in India following the revocation of its security clearance by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on May 15, citing national security concerns. The company's Indian subsidiary, Çelebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, has filed three lawsuits in the Bombay High Court and additional petitions in the Delhi High Court, challenging the government's decision and its subsequent impact on their operations.

Legal Actions in Bombay High Court

In Mumbai, Çelebi has filed three separate lawsuits:

1. Challenge against contract terminations: Two lawsuits contest the immediate termination of ground handling agreements by Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (MIAL), which followed the revocation of Çelebi's security clearance. The company argues that these terminations were abrupt and lacked due process.

2. Appeal against security clearance revocation: The third lawsuit seeks the suspension and annulment of the administrative decision by BCAS to revoke Çelebi's security clearance, asserting that the move was unjustified and procedurally flawed.

Çelebi contends that the revocation has jeopardized its operations across nine major Indian airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Cochin, where it handles approximately 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually.

Petitions in Delhi High Court

Simultaneously, Çelebi has approached the Delhi High Court, arguing that the revocation of its security clearance was executed without prior notice or an opportunity to be heard, violating principles of natural justice and the Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023.

Represented by Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, Çelebi emphasized its longstanding presence in India, employing over 10,000 Indian nationals. The company maintains that it operates as an Indian entity with no affiliations to the Turkish government.

Rohatgi criticized the government's submission of reasons for the revocation in a sealed cover, stating, "You have violated every aspect of Rule 12, affecting my business and contracts, which are now facing cancellation. The Ministry of Home Affairs has removed us, leaving us with no recourse."

Government's Stance

The Indian government, through Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, defended the revocation, citing national security concerns based on intelligence inputs. Mehta argued that disclosing specific details could compromise national interests.

Following the revocation, major airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad have terminated their contracts with Çelebi. The Adani Group, which operates the Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports, has also ended its partnership with Çelebi. Authorities have assured a seamless transition of operations and continuity for current employees affected by the change.

The Delhi High Court is scheduled to continue hearing Çelebi's petitions on May 23. The outcomes of these legal proceedings are anticipated to have significant implications for foreign entities operating in India's aviation sector.