Better safe than sorry, says Delhi HC judge on Turkish firm Celebi's contract termination
NEW DELHI: A High Court bench, which heard a petition filed by Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Ltd against their termination, said on Monday that it was better to be safe than sorry in cases where national security was involved.
The contracts of the ground handling services of these Turkish-headquartered firms were revoked by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on May 15 citing national security. This was in light of Turkey backing Pakistan during the India-Pakistan confrontation post Operation Sindoor. The firms contended the decision was arbitrary.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represented the Centre, said, "I am saying that it is a national security issue and the order (revoking clearance) reflects the same. An enemy can make 10 attempts and has to succeed in one while security agencies have to succeed on all 10 occasions. National security based upon civil aviation security has to be placed on the highest pedestal.”
In response, Justice Sachin Datta said, “The rule is better safe than sorry.”
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for the firm, argued the decision was taken due to public perception. "It appears to me that it is because of public perception since the shareholding of the company is of Turkish nationals," he said.
He further added that the firms had been carrying out ground handling operations with thousands of employees in various airports for the last 17 years without any blemish but its security clearance was suddenly revoked. "The petitioners were not rogue companies whose business could be trammelled with one stroke on a day's notice," Rohatgi added.
The matter has been posted to May 21 for hearing.