Absolute power with govt to protect nation

Govt to HC: Ground handling firms' access to airport, aircraft is risky

- Priyanka Gawande & Daanish Anand

The Union government clarified before the Delhi High Court (HC) on Thursday that it has 'plenary' (absolute) powers to protect the nation's national security.

The government's comments come on a petition filed by Celebi, a Turkish ground and cargo handling company, which challenged the government's move to revoke its security clearance licence. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the government, said, "Plenary powers rest with the government to avoid any potential threat to the country. Ground handling companies have access to the entire airport and aircraft. Hence, the director general of BCAS can use his sui generis powers to eliminate the immediate threat."

Mehta's comments follow Turkey's recent publicly shown support for Pakistan, while there are serious cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.