The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the central government to take steps to provide effective legal representation and communication access to actor Celina Jaitly’s brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, who has been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for over a year.
Justice Sachin Datta, hearing a plea filed by the actor, sought a response from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) by December 4, while issuing notices to the concerned authorities. The petition alleges that despite several representations, the government has failed to obtain basic details about the detainee’s welfare and legal status.
According to the plea, Major (Retd.) Jaitly, who has been residing in the UAE since 2016 and working with MATITI Group—a trading and consultancy firm—was “illegally abducted and detained” on September 6, 2024. The petition claims that no substantial information has been shared with his family regarding his condition or the nature of proceedings against him.
During the hearing, the government’s counsel informed the court that consular access had been granted to the detainee by Indian authorities in the UAE. However, Celina Jaitly’s counsel argued that despite this, the family was unable to communicate with him directly.
Taking note of the situation, Justice Datta directed the government to facilitate contact between the actor, her brother, and his wife. The court also ordered the appointment of a nodal officer to coordinate communication and provide regular updates to the family.
“The respondent shall depute a nodal officer for the above purpose and also apprise the petitioner and other family members of the detainee as regards the status of the detainee and the legal proceedings. Let the nodal officer provide regular updates to the petitioner and other family members,” the order said.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 4, when the MEA is expected to file its detailed response on the steps taken to ensure legal representation and communication access for the detainee.
