Delhi High Court Disposes Celina Jaitly's Petition for Consular Access to Brother in UAE
Synopsis
The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition from actress Celina Jaitly seeking consular access to her brother, Major Vikrant Jaitly, detained in the UAE. The court acknowledged that he declined legal representation at this time, instructing the Union government to maintain communication and support.
Key Takeaways
Delhi High Court dismissed Celina Jaitly's petition.
Major Vikrant Jaitly declined legal representation.
Consular access was previously granted by Indian authorities.
Union government instructed to maintain contact with Vikrant Jaitly.
Legal proceedings should not be treated as a family dispute.
New Delhi, March 16 (NationPress) - On Monday, the Delhi High Court dismissed a petition submitted by Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly, who sought consular access and legal representation to meet her brother, Major Vikrant Jaitly, a retired Army officer allegedly "illegally abducted and detained" in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
During the court session, a single-judge Bench led by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav was informed that Vikrant Jaitly had opted not to communicate with his sister and indicated that any legal matters concerning him should be resolved only after consulting his wife.
The Delhi High Court was made aware that Jaitly had received consular access from Indian authorities but chose not to seek legal help at this point. Acknowledging the information presented, Justice Kaurav concluded the proceedings, instructing the Union government to maintain contact with Jaitly and provide all necessary support in accordance with the law.
Celina Jaitly's petition alleged that her brother, who has been living in the UAE since 2016, was unlawfully abducted and detained in September 2024. She sought a court order to guarantee his consular access and legal representation.
In a previous hearing, the Centre had informed the Delhi High Court that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) required more time to address the situation through diplomatic means and set up a consular meeting with Jaitly.
Justice Kaurav had postponed the hearing to March 16, noting that the Union government's request for extra time to facilitate communication through the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi was reasonable.
The Delhi High Court granted the Centre three to four weeks to pursue the matter diplomatically and explore avenues, including the potential invocation of the India–UAE Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement, to facilitate communication with Vikrant Jaitly.
During earlier proceedings, the attorney representing Jaitly's wife, Charul Jaitly, requested to be included as a party in the case and submitted various developments for the court's consideration.
Justice Kaurav remarked that the writ petition against the Union government should not be regarded as a family matter and further instructed the involved parties not to engage with the media without prior permission from the Delhi High Court.
Point of View
While also respecting individual wishes. The case highlights the balance between legal representation and personal agency in sensitive matters.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Celina Jaitly's petition about?
Celina Jaitly petitioned for consular access and legal representation to meet her brother, Major Vikrant Jaitly, who is allegedly detained in the UAE.
What was the outcome of the petition?
The Delhi High Court dismissed the petition, noting that Vikrant Jaitly did not wish to communicate with his sister or seek legal assistance.
What did the court instruct the Union government?
The court directed the Union government to maintain contact with Vikrant Jaitly and provide necessary support according to the law.
Why was the hearing postponed?
The hearing was postponed to allow the Ministry of External Affairs more time to pursue the matter through diplomatic channels.
What is the India-UAE Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement?
It is an agreement that facilitates cooperation in legal matters between India and the UAE, including communication and legal assistance.
