Celina Jaitly's brother says he doesn't want to speak to her, court closes case

The Delhi High Court on Monday brought to a close actor Celina Jaitly’s plea seeking access to her detained brother, after it was informed that he has refused to communicate with her and does not wish to pursue legal assistance for now.

The court recorded that Major (Retd) Vikrant Jaitly, who is in custody in the UAE, has clearly conveyed during consular interactions that he does not want to speak with his sister. He has also declined legal representation at this stage, adding that any future decision on the matter would be taken by his wife.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav disposed of the petition after taking note of these submissions. The court was also told that Vikrant Jaitly has been provided consular access nine times since his arrest.

EMBASSY REPORT SUBMITTED

A report prepared by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi was placed before the court by Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, detailing the interactions with the detained officer. The report confirmed that Vikrant Jaitly reiterated his unwillingness to communicate with Celina Jaitly.

EARLIER COURT DIRECTIONS

The matter had seen a series of directions over the past weeks. On February 17, the High Court had granted four weeks to the Ministry of External Affairs to arrange a meeting with Vikrant Jaitly in Abu Dhabi. The direction came after a note was filed by his wife, with the court asking that copies be shared with all parties.

On February 12, the court had asked the ministry to facilitate a meeting and ensure that a power of attorney could be executed in favour of an Emirati law firm, Khalid Al Maree and Partners, which had been authorised by the Centre to represent him. The court had made it clear that if he was unwilling to engage the firm, he could suggest another.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE AND FAMILY COORDINATION

During earlier hearings, the court had urged family members, including Celina Jaitly and Charul Jaitly, to coordinate efforts to secure Vikrant Jaitly’s release. It was also informed that the Central government had issued a letter to the law firm to represent him, including on a pro bono basis.

MEA POSITION ON FACILITATION

The Centre had submitted that under the legal assistance framework between India and the UAE, there is no provision to facilitate meetings with foreign nationals through courts. It had, however, indicated that embassy officials could apprise Vikrant Jaitly about legal representation, subject to local approvals.

CELINA JAITLY SAYS ‘ONLY INTENTION WAS HIS SAFETY’

In an Instagram post after the hearing, Celina Jaitly said she had approached the court out of “deep concern for the safety, security and well-being” of her brother, noting that he was in a foreign country and that, in the absence of their parents, she felt it was her responsibility to ensure he was not left without support.

She said she was reassured by the government’s submissions in court that he had been given multiple consular accesses and that steps were being taken to ensure proper legal representation and his welfare. Expressing gratitude to the court, the legal system and the Government of India, Jaitly said her “only intention has always been his safety, dignity and fair treatment,” adding that she remained hopeful about continued support for him.

With the detained officer declining both communication and legal aid for now, the High Court closed the proceedings, leaving any further steps contingent on his willingness to engage.