Delhi High Court Rejects Celina Jaitly's Plea Regarding Brother in UAE Detention
The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition filed by former Bollywood actor Celina Jaitly, who sought assistance in establishing contact with her brother, Vikrant Jaitly. Vikrant has been held in detention in the United Arab Emirates since September 6, 2024, and has reportedly declined to communicate with his sister. The court's decision, delivered on March 16, highlighted that Vikrant is currently in the UAE and has explicitly stated during consular interactions that he does not wish to speak with Celina.
Court Hearing Details and Legal Stance
During the hearing, the court was informed that Vikrant Jaitly has chosen not to communicate with his sister and prefers that any legal decisions be made only after consulting his wife. Authorities also revealed that while he has been granted consular access, he has declined legal assistance, indicating a clear personal preference in handling his situation. The court emphasized that his refusal to engage with Celina or accept legal representation is a matter of his own volition, with future decisions to be guided by his wife's input.
Celina Jaitly's Emotional Social Media Response
Two days after the court's ruling, on March 18, Celina Jaitly shared an emotional note on social media, offering her perspective on the distressing situation. Posting a picture with her brother, she wrote about their last conversation on August 23, 2024, just days before his detention began. She detailed that he was held in secret detention until the end of May 2025 before being transferred to a detention centre in the Middle East, where he has now been for nearly 18 months without formal proceedings and with limited, controlled access.
Reflecting on his silence, Celina suggested that her brother's refusal to communicate might be an attempt to protect her. "I cannot speculate on what my brother may have been advised or told in detention. He is extremely protective of me and has no visibility of what is happening in the outside world," she wrote. "Given my current circumstances, it is possible that he may have received partial information and is trying to shield me from further financial and emotional strain. In such circumstances, any decision taken by a detainee must be viewed in context."
Focus on Brother's Welfare and Gratitude to Authorities
Celina clarified that her legal efforts were solely focused on her brother's well-being, not personal interests. "The only matter that has deeply concerned me throughout all of this has been his physical and mental well-being. This writ was never about me. It was always about ensuring the possibility of meeting and speaking to my brother and, above all, that proper legal representation be appointed for him," she emphasized.
She expressed gratitude towards the Indian authorities for their ongoing involvement, noting that the Government of India has had nine consular accesses with Vikrant since June 2025 and will continue to encourage him to accept legal aid when he and his wife are ready. "I remain thankful that the State continues to look into his well-being while further recourse is being pursued. My only intention has always been his safety, legal protection, and dignity," she added.
Personal Commitment and Concluding Thoughts
Concluding her note on a deeply personal tone, Celina wrote, "Until I am able to see my brother and speak to him directly, there is nothing that I can conclusively adhere to… I know my brother.. He is my first baby. I stand by him till my dying breath!" This heartfelt statement underscores her unwavering support despite the legal setbacks and emotional challenges.
The case highlights the complexities of international detentions and family dynamics, with Celina Jaitly's public appeal drawing attention to issues of legal representation and consular support for Indian nationals abroad. As the situation unfolds, her commitment to her brother's welfare remains steadfast, even as she respects his apparent decision to maintain silence for now.
