Delhi High Court Reserves Verdict on Celebi’s Plea Challenging Revocation of Security Clearance

By A Staff Reporter

The Delhi High Court on Friday reserved its verdict on a plea filed by Turkish company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, challenging the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security’s (BCAS) decision to revoke its security clearance citing national security concerns. Justice Sachin Datta reserved the order after hearing extensive arguments from both sides. 

The BCAS had revoked Celebi’s security clearance on May 15, 2025, shortly after Turkey publicly supported Pakistan and criticized India’s military actions against terrorist camps during Operation Sindoor. The government defended its decision, stating that the revocation was based on intelligence inputs indicating potential threats to airport security at various Indian airports.  

Celebi, which has been operating in India for over 15 years, argued that the revocation violated principles of natural justice and lacked transparency. The company contended that the decision was abrupt and jeopardized approximately 3,791 jobs, as well as investor confidence.