NEW DELHI — Turkey-based airport services firm Celebi has taken legal action against the Indian government’s decision to revoke its security clearance, calling the move arbitrary and lacking justification. The company filed a petition with the Delhi High Court on May 16, seeking to overturn the decision, which it claims threatens nearly 3,800 jobs and undermines investor confidence.
The clearance was withdrawn on Thursday, with Indian authorities citing concerns tied to “national security” — a reasoning Celebi says is vague and unsupported by evidence. “Without identifying how Celebi poses a threat, the government’s actions are unsustainable in law,” the company argued in its court submission.
Celebi Airport Services India, which operates in major Indian airports including Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Goa, warned the move could disrupt operations at critical aviation hubs. It also emphasized that while it is Turkish-registered, the majority control lies with non-Turkish entities.
India’s junior aviation minister Murlidhar Mohol confirmed the revocation, stating on social media that the government responded to widespread public appeals to act in the national interest. The move comes amid heightened tensions over Turkey’s diplomatic alignment with Pakistan, which has drawn sharp criticism from Indian political groups.
The Shiv Sena party, part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling coalition, staged protests in Mumbai demanding Celebi be removed from airport operations. Following the government’s action, Delhi Airport announced late Thursday that it had officially ended its partnership with Celebi for ground handling and cargo services.
The legal challenge adds to broader turbulence in India’s aviation sector. Reuters also reported that Air India is lobbying authorities to block a leasing deal between IndiGo and Turkish Airlines, citing commercial and security concerns linked to Ankara’s support for Islamabad. The Delhi High Court is expected to hear Celebi’s case on Monday. The Indian government has not yet issued a formal response.