Kamal Ghorui
In a fresh development in the case concerning the detention of Bollywood actor Celina Jaitly’s brother in the United Arab Emirates, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to facilitate legal representation for Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.As reported by ANI, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav asked the MEA to issue an order in favour of Al Maree Partners, a law firm willing to represent Vikrant Jaitly on a pro bono basis. The court further said that if there is any impediment in issuing the order, the same must be stated in an affidavit. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for February 10.
Pro bono firm ready to take up case
The firm was suggested by Celina Jaitly’s counsel, Raghav Kacker, assisted by advocates Madhav Agrawal and Suradhish Vats. It was submitted that the firm has independently obtained the case details and is ready to represent Vikrant Jaitly free of cost.However, the submission was opposed by counsel for the MEA, who stated that the firm’s name already figures among the four legal firms suggested by Vikrant Jaitly himself. It was also argued that Vikrant had informed embassy officials that the decision to engage a legal firm would be taken by his wife, Charu Jaitly.
‘What is the impediment?’ court asks
Countering the MEA’s submissions, Celina Jaitly’s counsel argued that crucial facts were being suppressed, stating that Vikrant Jaitly does not wish to communicate with his wife. Taking note of the arguments, the court questioned the objection, noting that the firm was willing to represent him without any financial burden.“What is the impediment if the name is suggested by his father, mother or sister?” the court observed.
Celina Jaitly alleges illegal detention since September 2024
In her petition, Celina Jaitly has alleged that her brother was illegally abducted and detained in the UAE in September 2024. She further contended that despite more than a year having passed, the Centre has failed to secure even basic information regarding his welfare, legal status, or communication. Earlier, on November 3 last year, the Delhi High Court had directed the MEA to provide legal assistance to Vikrant Jaitly, facilitate communication between the siblings, and appoint a nodal officer to oversee the matter.
