Kamal Ghorui
The Delhi High Court on March 16 dismissed a plea filed by former actor Celina Jaitly, who had sought assistance in establishing contact with her brother, Vikrant Jaitly. Vikrant has been in detention in the United Arab Emirates since September 6, 2024, and has reportedly refused to communicate with her. The court said that he is currently in UAE and has explicitly stated during consular interactions that he does not wish to communicate with his sister. He has also, for now, refused legal representation, indicating that any decisions going forward will be made by his wife.Two days later, on March 18, Celina shared an emotional note on social media, offering her perspective on the situation and suggesting that her brother’s silence could be an attempt to protect her. Posting a picture with him, she wrote, “The last I have spoken to my brother was on 23 August 2024 few days before he taken (6 September 2024) where in he was held in secret detention until end of May 2025. Thereafter, he was remitted to a detention centre in the Middle East where he has been held now for almost 18 months, without formal proceedings, and access to him has been limited and controlled.“Reflecting on his decision not to stay in touch, she added, “I cannot speculate on what my brother may have been advised or told in detention. He is extremely protective of me and has no visibility of what is happening in the outside world. Given my current circumstances, it is possible that he may have received partial information and is trying to shield me from further financial and emotional strain. In such circumstances, any decision taken by a detainee must be viewed in context. I believe he has, on occasion, also refused to speak to other kin and has said that he does not wish to speak to her or anyone else.”Emphasising her concern, Celina clarified that her legal efforts were never about personal interests but about her brother’s welfare. “The only matter that has deeply concerned me throughout all of this has been his physical and mental well-being. This writ was never about me. It was always about ensuring the possibility of meeting and speaking to my brother and, above all, that proper legal representation be appointed for him.“She also expressed gratitude towards the Indian authorities for their continued involvement. “I am grateful that the Government of India has had nine consular accesses with him since June 2025 and has conveyed that they will continue to encourage him to accept legal aid whenever he and his wife are ready. I remain thankful that the State continues to look into his well-being while further recourse is being pursued. My only intention has always been his safety, legal protection, and dignity. I respect that he may be trying to protect me in his own way. However, I will continue to stand by him and ensure that he is not left without proper legal representation.”Concluding her note on a deeply personal note, she wrote, “Until I am able to see my brother and speak to him directly, there is nothing that I can conclusively adhere to… I know my brother.. He is my first baby. I stand by him till my dying breath!”During the March 16 hearing, the court was informed that Vikrant had chosen not to communicate with his sister and preferred that any legal decisions be taken only after consulting his wife. Authorities also told the court that while he had been granted consular access, he had declined legal assistance, according to Bar and Bench.
