Bombay HC Lifts Stay on MIAL’s Ground Handling Tenders

25 Jul 2025 CW Team

Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan ruled on Wednesday that the interim protection granted in May was no longer sustainable, especially after the Delhi High Court earlier this month dismissed Celebi’s challenge to a similar contract termination at Delhi Airport, citing compelling national security concerns.

“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,” the court noted.

The court observed that following the revocation of Celebi’s security clearance, all its employees and equipment had come under the control of Indo Thai Airport Services Ltd, which is currently providing ground handling and bridge mounting services at Mumbai Airport. Celebi has consequently lost all physical access to the airport.

The High Court added that conciliation proceedings between the parties were underway as per the contractual agreement and thus disposed of Celebi’s petitions.

Celebi’s security clearance was revoked by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, citing national security grounds, amid backlash against Turkiye’s support for Pakistan during ‘Operation Sindoor’.

Celebi, which holds a 59 per cent stake in Celebi Nas Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, had approached the High Court seeking suspension of the revocation order, annulment of the termination of its contracts for bridge mounted equipment and ground handling services, and to restrain MIAL from finalising new tenders issued on 17 May.

A vacation bench of the High Court had earlier granted interim relief on 26 May. However, this has now been vacated following the Delhi HC’s ruling that national security considerations impelled the Centre’s decision to revoke security clearance.

Celebi’s plea challenging the revocation of its security clearance is still pending before a division bench of the Bombay High Court and is expected to be heard soon.

The Bombay High Court has lifted its interim stay preventing Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) from finalising tenders for ground and bridge handling services, following the termination of Turkish firm Celebi’s contract.Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan ruled on Wednesday that the interim protection granted in May was no longer sustainable, especially after the Delhi High Court earlier this month dismissed Celebi’s challenge to a similar contract termination at Delhi Airport, citing compelling national security concerns.“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,” the court noted.The court observed that following the revocation of Celebi’s security clearance, all its employees and equipment had come under the control of Indo Thai Airport Services Ltd, which is currently providing ground handling and bridge mounting services at Mumbai Airport. Celebi has consequently lost all physical access to the airport.The High Court added that conciliation proceedings between the parties were underway as per the contractual agreement and thus disposed of Celebi’s petitions.Celebi’s security clearance was revoked by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, citing national security grounds, amid backlash against Turkiye’s support for Pakistan during ‘Operation Sindoor’.Celebi, which holds a 59 per cent stake in Celebi Nas Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, had approached the High Court seeking suspension of the revocation order, annulment of the termination of its contracts for bridge mounted equipment and ground handling services, and to restrain MIAL from finalising new tenders issued on 17 May.A vacation bench of the High Court had earlier granted interim relief on 26 May. However, this has now been vacated following the Delhi HC’s ruling that national security considerations impelled the Centre’s decision to revoke security clearance.Celebi’s plea challenging the revocation of its security clearance is still pending before a division bench of the Bombay High Court and is expected to be heard soon.

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