Delhi High Court Responds to Actor Celina Jaitly's Plea for Brother Detained in UAE Since September 2024

The Delhi High Court today conducted a hearing on actor Celina Jaitly's petition seeking intervention to obtain assistance for her brother, retired Indian Army Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, who has allegedly been detained in the United Arab Emirates since September 2024.

According to information presented to the court, Jaitly, who has been residing in the UAE since 2016, was reportedly detained over national security concerns.

The court has directed the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure communication between the actor and her brother. Additionally, it instructed the MEA to facilitate contact between Vikrant Jaitly and his wife, who is currently in the UAE. The court has also requested a status report detailing the MEA's efforts in this matter.

Celina Jaitly was present during the court proceedings. Following the hearing, she shared an extensive post on Instagram describing the High Court's direction as a "ray of hope" in her ongoing struggle.

Jaitly's legal representative emphasized that as an Indian national, the government should provide legal assistance to him. The counsel also noted that Celina Jaitly is Vikrant Jaitly's only blood relative.

The petition stated that despite representations to the Indian Embassy, Consulate, and the Minister of External Affairs for over a year, the family has received no substantial information about Jaitly's condition or legal status.

Justice Sachin Datta presided over the case, with the next hearing scheduled for December 4.

After the court session, Celina Jaitly posted on Instagram from the "gates of the Delhi High Court," stating: "After an arduous 14 months, I have finally reached the light at the end of the dark tunnel. I have just exited the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi, where my writ petition regarding my brother was heard."

She claimed her brother has been "a victim of enforced disappearance for nine months, followed by detainment."

Addressing her brother in the post, she wrote, "You fought for us, bhai, now it's time for us to stand behind you," describing the court's direction as a "ray of hope."

She appealed to the government to help protect the "defenders" of the nation, saying: "For one year, I have searched for answers for you. Now, I continue my prayers to our respected government to fight for you, to bring you back safely. My government, the only entity I trust, is the Government of India, & I know they will do everything to protect this 4th-generation soldier, son, grandson & great-grandson of war veterans, who has given his everything, his entire youth, in the service of our nation, holder of the COAS Commendation for Gallantry."

In addition to seeking financial and legal support and direct communication, Celina Jaitly's petition also requested urgent diplomatic measures to ensure proper medical treatment and humanitarian care for her brother.

The petition also called for regular consular monitoring of his welfare and active engagement with UAE authorities to ensure that the detainee's rights are upheld in accordance with international law and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963.