Kamal Ghorui
Celina Jaitly has reacted after the Delhi High Court dismissed her petition seeking consular access, legal assistance and communication with her brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitly, who is currently detained in the United Arab Emirates.The court disposed of the plea after being informed that Vikrant Jaitly did not wish to communicate with his sister and preferred to handle legal matters only after consulting his wife, Charul Jaitly.Responding to the development, Celina shared a detailed note on social media expressing gratitude to the court and the Government of India.“Today was the last hearing of my writ petition in front of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi. I had approached the Hon’ble Court out of deep concern for the safety, security & well being of my brother, Maj Vikrant Kumar Jaitly,” she wrote.She added that with their parents no longer around, she felt a sense of responsibility toward her brother.“He is in a foreign nation & as his sister, especially in the absence of our parents, I felt it was my duty to ensure that he was not left without protection or support.”
‘My concern for my brother’s welfare compelled me to seek judicial intervention’
In her note, the actor revealed that she had moved court despite going through difficult personal circumstances.“I am myself navigating extremely difficult personal circumstances, including ongoing matrimonial proceedings, yet my concern for my brother’s welfare compelled me to seek judicial intervention,” Celina said.She also thanked the Indian government after being informed that officials had been in contact with Vikrant.“Today, I am grateful that before the Hon’ble Court, the Ministry of External Affairs has informed that they have had multiple legal accesses to him & are moving forward to ensure proper legal representation & his well being.”“This gives me a sense of relief & reassurance that the Government of India is standing by one of its soldiers,” she added.
Court notes Vikrant Jaitly declined legal representation and communication
According to Bar and Bench, the matter was heard on March 16 by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, who was informed that Vikrant Jaitly had already been granted consular access but had declined legal assistance.Authorities also told the court that a law firm had offered to represent him free of charge, but he refused the offer.The court recorded that Vikrant had “unequivocally stated that he is not willing to be represented by any of the law firms,” including a pro bono offer from a UAE-based firm.Celina had also sought permission to communicate directly with her brother, but that request was declined as well.While disposing of the petition, the court directed authorities to remain in touch with Vikrant and provide assistance if required.“In view of the facts and developments, there is no reason to keep this petition pending,” the court observed.
Detention in UAE since September 2024
Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitly, a former Indian Army officer and Celina’s brother, has been detained in the United Arab Emirates since September 6, 2024.Reports suggest the matter is linked to alleged national security concerns, though the exact charges have not been made public.Before his detention, Vikrant had been living in the UAE since 2016 and was reportedly working with the MATITI Group, a consultancy and trading firm. Celina has earlier raised concerns about the lack of clear legal representation, limited updates about the case, and the absence of direct communication with her brother.Concluding her statement, the actress wrote, “My only intention has always been his safety, dignity & fair treatment. I remain hopeful & thankful for the continued support extended to him by our Government as a son of our nation.”
