New Delhi, May 19 -- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central government, strongly defended the decision to revoke Celebi Airport Services Private Limited's security clearance, citing national security concerns.

He emphasised that the government's order explicitly reflects these concerns, reaffirming that civil aviation security is intricately linked to broader national security considerations.

Mehta explained that the case involves both passenger and cargo handling contracts, noting that intelligence inputs indicate that, given the prevailing security climate, allowing Celebi to continue operating poses significant risks.

He outlined two types of aircraft: those carrying both passengers and cargo, and others, like Blue...