Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly’s brother, Major Vikrant Jaitly, remains under arrest in UAE

India: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday extended time to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi to advance diplomatic efforts and secure UAE cooperation in the ongoing detention of retired Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, brother of Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly.

Major Vikrant Jaitly, a former Indian Army Special Forces officer, has remained in custody at the Al Wathba Detention Centre in Abu Dhabi since September 6, 2024, now spanning over 17 months. Authorities initially cited national security grounds for his detention, but no formal charges or trial resolution have been publicly disclosed.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav’s bench heard Celina Jaitly’s petition, which alleges her brother’s illegal abduction and detention without due process. The court directed the MEA to continue facilitating consular access, share the petition with Major Jaitly, and ascertain his preferences on legal representation. It also permitted Celina Jaitly to file a response to the government’s submissions.

Recent proceedings have highlighted challenges, including family tensions. Major Jaitly’s wife, Charul Jaitly, informed the court that he does not wish to interact with his sister and regards her as his sole authorized representative for legal matters. The bench emphasized that the case is not a family dispute and urged both Celina Jaitly and Charul Jaitly to collaborate in prioritizing Major Jaitly’s welfare.

A UAE-based firm, Khalid Almarri & Partners, has been authorized on a pro bono basis to represent him, following court directions to the MEA. A planned consular meeting around February 13 did not fully proceed as intended, prompting renewed instructions for communication and cooperation.

Celina Jaitly has campaigned actively, including emotional public appeals to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring her family’s multi-generational military service and describing the detention as arbitrary and lacking transparency. She has highlighted efforts amid personal hardships, such as leaving an abusive situation in Austria to pursue justice in India.

The court listed the matter for further hearing in March, focusing on diplomatic progress and Major Jaitly’s rights.