The Bombay High Court on Wednesday revoked its earlier interim order that prevented Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) from finalizing tenders for ground and bridge handling services.
This development follows the termination of the contract with Turkish company Celebi Airport Services India.
Interim Stay Removed Following Delhi High Court Decision
Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan remarked that the temporary relief granted in May was no longer justified, especially after the Delhi High Court recently rejected Celebi’s petition challenging the cancellation of its contract at Delhi airport and the revocation of its security clearance.
The bench stated, “It is now clear that holding up the decision of finding a replacement is not possible and tenable. Continuation of the ad-interim order is no longer reasonable and hence stands vacated.”
Control Handed Over To Indo Thai Airport Services
The court pointed out that after the cancellation of its security clearance, Celebi lost physical access to Mumbai airport. Its employees and equipment have been transferred to Indo Thai Airport Services Ltd, which currently manages the ground and bridge handling services.
The High Court noted that efforts toward conciliation between the parties are ongoing as per contractual terms and consequently disposed of Celebi’s petitions.
Background
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) withdrew Celebi’s security clearance citing national security risks amid diplomatic tensions related to Turkey’s stance during Operation Sindoor. Celebi, holding a 59% stake in Celebi Nas Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, has challenged both the clearance revocation and the termination of its contract with MIAL.
Pending Hearing On Security Clearance Challenge
Celebi’s plea against the cancellation of its security clearance remains pending before a division bench of the Bombay High Court and is expected to be heard shortly.
Following the contract termination, Celebi sought to halt MIAL from awarding new contracts via tenders floated on May 17. A vacation bench had temporarily granted this relief on May 26, but it has now been set aside.
Court, in dismissing Celebi’s plea, cited “compelling national security considerations” and “impelling geo-political factors” as reasons for the government’s decision.
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