Not mandatory to hear Celebi when responding to national security threat, Centre tells Delhi HC

The Indian government informed the Delhi High Court that it is not obligatory to consult Turkey-based Celebi before responding to national security concerns. This statement comes after Celebi challenged the recent revocation of its security clearance by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. The Centre emphasized that national security decisions are paramount and may necessitate immediate action without external consultations. Celebi had approached the court, arguing that the revocation of its clearance was abrupt and unjustified, potentially impacting its operations in India. The company, which provides ground handling services at several Indian airports, claimed that the lack of prior notice or dialogue violated procedural fairness. However, the government maintained that security threats require swift and decisive measures, which might not always allow for stakeholder engagement. The Delhi High Court is now tasked with balancing the government's stance on national security with Celebi's concerns about due process. This case underscores the tension between operational transparency and the imperative of safeguarding national interests. As the proceedings continue, the court's decision could have significant implications for how security-related decisions are handled in the aviation sector.

— Authored by Next24 Live