On May 15, India revoked the security clearance of a major Turkey-based firm, Celebi Airport Services, citing national security concerns.
The move followed Turkey’s public support for Pakistan after India’s counter-terror strikes in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists.
This means the company managing sensitive airport operations—ground handling, cargo, and more—was from a country openly backing India’s enemy. That’s like giving your house keys to someone cheering on your burglar.
The court, in response to Celebi’s petition, said it plainly: “Better safe than sorry.”
Celebi’s India Ops: Deeply Embedded
Celebi isn’t new to India. It has been operating here for 17 years. According to its website, it handles 58,000 flights and 5.4 lakh tonnes of cargo every year across nine Indian airports. Over 10,000 Indians work for the company. That’s not a minor footprint.
But with national security in question, even that scale doesn’t offer immunity.
Court vs Company: What Happened in Court?
The firm approached the Delhi High Court, calling the revocation unfair and sudden. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Celebi, argued that no proper reason or prior notice was given. “We are not a rogue company,” he told the court.
But the court pushed back. Justice Sachin Datta said national security takes precedence. Giving notice could have triggered “what is apprehended,” implying a risk of sabotage or data leaks.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, added that firms operating inside airports know every inch of critical infrastructure—too sensitive to risk. “The enemy only needs one successful attempt. Our security must succeed 10 out of 10 times,” he said.
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No Proportionality in Security?
Interestingly, the Solicitor General argued that in matters of national security, the “doctrine of proportionality” does not apply. That is, the government doesn’t need to weigh pros and cons when the stakes are sky-high.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, he pointed out, has the right to revoke security clearances at will, without detailing a reason.
Turkey, Pakistan, and a Growing Boycott
This isn’t just legal drama—it’s geopolitical fallout. Turkey and its close ally Azerbaijan openly supported Pakistan after the Indian strikes under Operation Sindoor.
Since then, Indian travel sites have reported drops in bookings to both countries. The Confederation of All India Traders has called for a full boycott of Turkish and Azeri trade.
India’s message is clear: If you back terrorism, we’ll shut the door—economically, diplomatically, and commercially.
What Now?
The High Court has adjourned the case to May 21. But the writing is on the wall. Even if Celebi employs Indians and claims neutrality, it’s ultimately a Turkey-based firm. And when Turkey sides with Pakistan during terror crises, it’s hard to separate business from politics.
National security is not an abstract phrase. It’s real, messy, and often invisible until it’s too late.
And as the court reminded everyone in the room—you don’t wait to check the smoke detector after the fire starts.
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