Actor Celina Jaitly’s brother, retired Major Vikrant Jaitley, has been in detention in the United Arab Emirates for more than 14 months. He was reportedly detained in September last year. This matter has come to the forefront as now Celina has approached the Delhi High Court, requesting that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) ensure her brother gets proper legal and medical assistance.
Celina’s plea to court
In her petition, Celina claimed that her brother was “illegally abducted and detained” in the UAE in September 2024. During the hearing, the Centre’s counsel, Nidhi Raman, told the court that Vikrant had been arrested “in connection with a case,” and that the Ministry was in touch with his wife. The case was heard by Justice Sachin Datta, where Celina sought legal help for her brother, direct and regular communication with him, and consistent consular access to ensure his well-being.Celina said in her plea that even after more than a year of detention, she had not received any clear information about her brother’s legal status or welfare. She also stated that no phone call or verified communication had been arranged between them so far. After hearing both sides, the Delhi High Court issued a notice directing the MEA to help facilitate communication between Celina and her brother and to appoint a nodal officer for the case.
About Celina’s brother and why he was detained
Celina’s brother was detained in the UAE in September 2024 over alleged national security concerns. His family alleges unlawful detention and lack of communication or medical access.. There is still very little clarity about the case under which Major Vikrant Jaitley was detained. According to the Centre’s lawyer, Vikrant has been given consular access in the UAE. Reports say Vikrant had been living in the UAE since 2016 and was working with the MATITI Group, a firm dealing in trading, consultancy, and risk management services. However, the charges against him remain unclear. Despite repeated requests by Celina and her legal team, no information has been shared about the nature of the allegations or the status of the investigation. This lack of clarity has raised concerns that he may be caught in a sensitive or unfair legal situation without proper representation.
The court’s order
“The respondents shall take steps to provide effective legal representation with respect to his arrest and detention. Let an attempt be made by the respondent to facilitate contact between the petitioner and her brother. The respondents are directed to appoint a nodal officer,” the court said in its order.
Celina’s emotional reaction after the hearing
The ‘No Entry’ actress spoke to the media after the hearing and Celina called the court’s order “a ray of hope,” adding, “It’s been a nightmare for me… I’m very grateful for today’s judgment.” She expressed faith that this legal development could finally bring her brother home. The next hearing has been scheduled for December 4, when the MEA is expected to submit its detailed status report on the case. Go to Source
