No choice but to float tender for cargo handler at Chennai airport after Çelebi termination: AAI to Madras High Court

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Monday told the Madras High Court that it needs to hire a ground handling and cargo operator at the Chennai airport to replace Turkish firm Çelebi Airport Services India, whose contract with the airport was recently terminated over national security concerns [Celebi Ground Services Chennai Private Limited v. Airports Authority Of India]..The AAI explained to Justice Abdul Quddhose that the Chennai airport needs three ground handlers to ensure that its operations continue smoothly. .With the recent termination of Çelebi's services, the AAI has no option but to float a tender to appoint another ground handler, submitted Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta on behalf of AAI. .However, the AAI added that it will clearly stipulate that any such tender would be subject to the outcome of the litigation initiated by Çelebi before the High Courts of Delhi and Madras in the matter..Çelebi has approached these courts challenging the termination of its contracts with airports in India, as well as the root cause of such termination - revocation of its security clearance to operate in India.The Turkish company's security clearance was revoked by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) after the government of Turkey openly backed Pakistan during a recent four-day Indo-Pak conflict. Çelebi has challenged this move before various High Courts, including those of Bombay and Gujarat..Today, the Madras High Court heard original applications filed by Çelebi in connection with the termination of its contract to handle ground and cargo operations at the Chennai airport. Representing Çelebi, Senior Advocate PS Raman raised concerns that it has software and equipment worth crores that are presently in the control of the airport authority, which could be handed over to a third party if a tender is floated to replace Çelebi. He added that the Bombay High Court has already granted the firm interim relief in a similar matter. .SG Mehta countered that the Bombay High Court case was different, as the Mumbai International Airport's operations are being managed by a private party (Adani) in collaboration with the AAI. The Chennai airport is only being managed by AAI, the SG said. He went on to assure the High Court that any third party appointed in Çelebi's place, pursuant to a tender floated by AAI for the Chennai airport, would not be allowed to use Çelebi's equipment or software. SG Mehta added that any tender floated to appoint such a third party would not be finalised while Çelebi's litigation is pending, and that such a tender would be subject to the outcome of these pending court cases. The Court recorded this submission, adding that the parties may approach the High Court for relief if these undertakings are flouted. The Court also allowed Çelebi to approach the AAI for an inventory of its equipment and software. .Çelebi has also filed a separate writ petition challenging its security clearance revocation, in which notice has been issued. This matter is slated to be heard next on June 24. Similar writ proceedings were also recently heard by the Delhi High Court, in connection with Çelebi's work at the Delhi International Airport. The High Court has reserved its verdict in this matter. The original application before the Madras High Court will be heard next on July 7. Additional Solicitor General of India AR L Sundaresan also appeared for the AAI. .[Read Live Coverage]