Bombay High Court Halts Mumbai Airport’s Plan to Replace Turkey’s Celebi
Mumbai, May 27: The Bombay High Court has granted a significant interim relief to Turkish aviation firm Celebi Aviation Holding, temporarily halting Mumbai airport’s efforts to replace the company with another ground-handling service provider.
Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan, while hearing Celebi’s plea, ruled that “no conclusive steps should be taken on the tenders until Celebi’s petitions are heard after the court’s summer vacation in June.” This decision effectively delays the Mumbai airport’s tendering process for ground-handling operations.
The dispute centers around allegations from Celebi of being unfairly treated in the tender process. Celebi has been a long-term service provider at Mumbai airport, and the abrupt move to replace it has drawn scrutiny, especially given Turkey’s recent diplomatic stances against India.
The court’s intervention underscores the significance of the matter, which may have broader legal and diplomatic implications.
Key Developments:
- Bombay High Court restrains action on tenders until June.
- Justice Sundaresan highlights the need to address Celebi’s petitions before any conclusive decisions.
- The case raises questions about fair practices in tender processes and its impact on Indo-Turkish relations.
The next hearing is expected post the court’s summer recess, with stakeholders awaiting clarity on the future of Mumbai airport’s ground-handling operations.
