Delhi High Court Intervenes in Jaitly Family Feud Over UAE Detention
The Delhi High Court has stepped into a contentious legal battle involving Bollywood actor Celina Jaitly and her sister-in-law, Charul Jaitly, urging them to set aside personal differences and focus on securing the release of their brother and husband, Major (Retd) Vikrant Jaitly, who has been detained in the United Arab Emirates for the past 18 months. During a recent hearing, the court emphasized that this should not be treated as a "family dispute" but rather a united effort to address a critical humanitarian issue.
Court Hearing Details and MEA Involvement
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav presided over the case, where the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) provided an update through CGSC Nidhi Raman. The MEA informed the court that Vikrant Jaitly, a retired Special Forces commando of the Indian Army, is now "regularly interacting" with authorities, with the next scheduled interaction set for February 13. Notably, Vikrant has chosen to communicate exclusively with his wife, Charul, rather than his sister Celina, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
Charul's legal representative asserted that she has been consistently supportive throughout her husband's ordeal, while Celina argued that she initiated the court petition due to being "stonewalled" by Charul. The court, however, redirected the focus to the primary objective: securing Vikrant's freedom.
Key Arguments and Court Directives
During the proceedings, the court questioned Charul about her reluctance to authorize legal representation for her husband in the UAE, to which she responded by emphasizing her role as next of kin and alleging that Celina lacked complete information. Charul also claimed to have kept Celina informed since 2024, despite a strained relationship between the siblings.
The Delhi High Court firmly dismissed the pleas from both women, stating that their internal conflicts were detracting from the urgent matter at hand. Justice Kaurav highlighted that Celina and Charul must work "in tandem" to effectively advocate for Vikrant's release. Additionally, when Charul requested a media gag order to prevent her family's situation from becoming a "media joke," the court refused, upholding the principle of free press and denying any restrictions on reporting.
Broader Implications and Personal Sacrifices
This case sheds light on the challenges faced by families dealing with international detentions and the emotional toll it takes. Celina Jaitly, who is currently navigating a divorce, has prioritized her brother's case, stating that she must choose her battles wisely. The MEA's involvement includes offering Vikrant a selection of four attorneys, underscoring the government's efforts to facilitate his legal defense.
As the situation unfolds, the Delhi High Court's directive serves as a reminder that collaboration is essential in such sensitive matters. The focus remains on ensuring Vikrant Jaitly's well-being and expediting his return to India, with both Celina and Charul urged to unite for this common goal.
