Delhi High Court Directs MEA to Facilitate Legal Representation for Celina Jaitly's Brother in UAE
In a significant development regarding the detention of Bollywood actor Celina Jaitly's brother in the United Arab Emirates, the Delhi High Court has issued a directive to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). On Tuesday, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav ordered the MEA to facilitate legal representation for Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Court Orders MEA to Issue Pro Bono Representation Order
As reported by ANI, Justice Kaurav specifically asked the MEA to issue an order in favor of Al Maree Partners, a law firm that has expressed willingness to represent Vikrant Jaitly on a pro bono basis. The court emphasized that if there are any impediments preventing the issuance of such an order, these must be clearly stated in an affidavit submitted to the court. The next hearing in this ongoing matter has been scheduled for February 10.
Pro Bono Firm Ready to Take Up Case Without Cost
The law firm was suggested by Celina Jaitly's legal counsel, Raghav Kacker, who was assisted by advocates Madhav Agrawal and Suradhish Vats. It was submitted to the court that Al Maree Partners has independently obtained details about the case and is prepared to represent Vikrant Jaitly completely free of charge, eliminating any financial burden on the detained individual or his family.
MEA's Opposition and Court's Counter-Questioning
However, counsel representing the Ministry of External Affairs opposed this submission, arguing that the firm's name already appears among four legal firms previously suggested by Vikrant Jaitly himself. The MEA counsel further contended that Vikrant had informed embassy officials that the decision to engage a legal firm would ultimately be taken by his wife, Charu Jaitly.
Countering these arguments, Celina Jaitly's counsel revealed that crucial facts were being suppressed, specifically noting that Vikrant Jaitly does not wish to communicate with his wife. Taking note of these submissions, the court questioned the MEA's objection, particularly since the firm was willing to provide representation without any financial cost.
"What is the impediment if the name is suggested by his father, mother or sister?" the court observed, highlighting the family's right to suggest legal representation for their detained relative.
Background of Alleged 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 has further contended that despite more than a year having passed since his detention, the Centre has failed to secure even basic information regarding his welfare, legal status, or communication channels.
This latest development follows an earlier order from November 3 last year, when 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 comprehensively.
The case continues to highlight the challenges faced by Indian citizens detained abroad and the legal mechanisms available to their families seeking justice and proper representation in foreign jurisdictions.
