Celina Jaitley’s brother currently detained in UAE, does not want to communicate with her, High Court informed. Actress says why she filed the plea

The Delhi High Court has closed the petition filed by actress Celina Jaitley after reportedly stating that her brother, Vikrant Jaitley, does not wish to communicate with her. According to the ANI report, the case was heard by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, who closed the matter after being informed that Vikrant had declined contact with the actor during consular interactions.

Celina had approached the court seeking help from the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate communication with her brother, a retired Army officer currently detained in the United Arab Emirates. She had also requested directions to ensure that he received proper legal assistance and regular updates about his welfare.

During the hearing, the court was informed that Vikrant Jaitley had already been granted consular access multiple times since his detention. According to the submission made in court, officials from the Indian mission have met him nine times. A report prepared by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi detailing these interactions was presented before the bench by Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma.


As per the same report, Vikrant Jaitley made it clear during a consular meeting that he did not wish to communicate with his sister at this stage. He also indicated that he was not willing to accept legal assistance at this time. The court was further informed that any decision regarding legal representation would be taken by his wife.

The report stated, "It was also informed that Vikrant has said that any decision in this regard will be taken by his wife."

Taking note of these submissions, Justice Kaurav disposed of the petition.

Celina Jaitley reacts to court decision

After the latest hearing, Celina Jaitley shared a detailed statement on Instagram expressing gratitude to the court and the government for addressing the matter. The actor said, "I had approached the Hon’ble Court out of deep concern for the safety, security and well being of my brother, Maj Vikrant Kumar Jaitley. He is in a foreign nation & as his sister, especially in the absence of our parents, I felt it was my duty to ensure that he was not left without protection or support. I am myself navigating extremely difficult personal circumstances, including ongoing matrimonial proceedings, yet my concern for my brother’s welfare compelled me to seek judicial intervention."

She also expressed relief after learning that the MEA had maintained regular consular access and was working towards ensuring proper legal representation and welfare support for Vikrant. According to her statement, the involvement of Indian authorities reassured her that the government was standing by him.

The actor further thanked the legal teams and supporters who assisted during the proceedings. She reiterated that her petition was motivated by a single concern, "His safety, dignity and fair treatment. I remain hopeful & thankful for the continued support extended to him by our Government as a son of our nation."

Earlier directions by the court

The matter had been under consideration for several weeks. On February 10, the High Court had asked the MEA to arrange a meeting with Vikrant Jaitley to understand his legal preferences. The court had also directed authorities to explore legal representation options for him in the UAE.

At one stage, the court suggested that a UAE-based law firm, Khalid Al Maree and Partners, could represent him. The Central government had even issued a letter to the firm to assist in the matter. However, the court clarified that if Vikrant did not wish to engage that firm, he could propose the name of another legal representative.

The case also saw submissions regarding the legal assistance framework between India and the UAE. Government counsel informed the court that there are limitations under the bilateral legal assistance treaty when it comes to facilitating direct meetings with foreign nationals in detention.