In a fresh development in the case concerning the detention of Bollywood actor Celina Jaitly’s brother in the United Arab Emirates, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to facilitate legal representation for Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.As reported by ANI, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav asked the MEA to issue an order in favour of Al Maree Partners, a law firm willing to represent Vikrant Jaitly on a pro bono basis. The court further said that if there is any impediment in issuing the order, the same must be stated in an affidavit. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for February 10.
“An 18-month-long battle for us”: Celina Jaitly on Delhi HC order
“This has been an 18-month-long battle for us. Today, after 18 months, my brother and our country’s soldiers finally has his dignity given back to him. The Justice kindly passed the order for Almarri Partners and advocates in the UAE to represent Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly… We want to bring him back, and I’m sure now things will move in a very positive direction and very fast,” she said.Her counsel, advocate Raghav Kacker, described the order as “very positive” and significant for the defence of Major Jaitly. He said the Delhi High Court had directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to appoint a lawyer identified by the family in Dubai. He further explained that the appointment letter would enable the legal team to obtain a power of attorney from Major Jaitly and to initiate an appropriate defence.“We have got a really good order from the Delhi High Court. The Justice has agreed to direct the MEA to appoint a lawyer we had found in Dubai. This is very important because that appointment letter will now enable them to get a power of attorney from Vikrant and initiate a proper defence for Vikrant, and we are very hopeful, especially after the deal that has happened between India and the UAE, that we will secure a very quick release for our soldier,” Kacker said.Also See: Preity Zinta asks Celina Jaitly to not lose faith as Delhi HC rules in her favour, orders to facilitate help for her brother Major Vikrant Jaitly
Pro bono firm ready to take up case
The firm was suggested by Celina Jaitly’s counsel, Raghav Kacker, assisted by advocates Madhav Agrawal and Suradhish Vats. It was submitted that the firm has independently obtained the case details and is ready to represent Vikrant Jaitly free of cost.However, the submission was opposed by counsel for the MEA, who stated that the firm’s name already figures among the four legal firms suggested by Vikrant Jaitly himself. It was also argued that Vikrant had informed embassy officials that the decision to engage a legal firm would be taken by his wife, Charu Jaitly.
‘What is the impediment?’ court asks
Countering the MEA’s submissions, Celina Jaitly’s counsel argued that crucial facts were being suppressed, stating that Vikrant Jaitly does not wish to communicate with his wife. Taking note of the arguments, the court questioned the objection, noting that the firm was willing to represent him without any financial burden.“What is the impediment if the name is suggested by his father, mother or sister?” the court observed.
Celina Jaitly alleges illegal detention since September 2024
In her petition, Celina Jaitly has alleged that her brother was illegally abducted and detained in the UAE in September 2024. She further contended that despite more than a year having passed, the Centre has failed to secure even basic information regarding his welfare, legal status, or communication. Earlier, on November 3 last year, the Delhi High Court had directed the MEA to provide legal assistance to Vikrant Jaitly, facilitate communication between the siblings, and appoint a nodal officer to oversee the matter.
