Bollywood actor Celina Jaitly has approached the Delhi High Court seeking intervention over the detention of her brother, retired Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, who has been held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for more than 14 months.

Celina alleged that her brother was “illegally abducted and detained” in Abu Dhabi in September 2024. The plea, filed through advocates Raghav Kacker, Ribhav Pande, and Madhav Aggarwal, urged the court to direct the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to provide immediate legal and medical assistance, and to facilitate direct communication between her and her brother.

Centre confirms arrest in ‘a case’

During Monday’s hearing, the Centre’s counsel, Nidhi Raman, told the court that Vikrant Jaitly was arrested in connection with “a case” and that the MEA is in touch with his wife. Raman added that Vikrant has been granted consular access in the UAE, though no further details about the case were revealed.

Vikrant Jaitly, a former Indian Army officer, has been living in the UAE since 2016 and was employed with MATITI Group, a firm involved in trading, consultancy, and risk management services, according to reports by PTI.

What the court said

The bench of Justice Sachin Datta, hearing Celina Jaitly’s plea, directed the MEA to facilitate communication between Celina and her brother and to appoint a nodal officer to handle the matter. The order stated, “The respondents shall take steps to provide effective legal representation with respect to his arrest and detention. Let an attempt be made by the respondent to facilitate contact between the petitioner and her brother. The respondents are directed to appoint a nodal officer.”

The court also issued a notice to the central government, directing it to file a status report within four weeks. The matter will be heard next on December 4.

Celina Jaitly’s claims

In her petition, Celina said that despite her brother’s prolonged detention, she had not been provided with “basic information regarding his legal status or welfare.” She alleged that no phone call or verified communication had been allowed between them since his arrest.

Celina also claimed that she had taken multiple steps to seek assistance from the Indian government. She registered a grievance through the MADAD Portal, sent several representations to the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai, and even met officials of the Ministry of External Affairs in person.

The plea added that Vikrant had only four consular visits between May and September 2025, and that the grievance registered on the MADAD platform was later marked as “closed.”

MEA’s responsibility

The petition argued that the MEA bears “a continuing constitutional and moral duty” to safeguard Indian citizens detained abroad, stating that “the respondent cannot remain a passive observer when an Indian citizen is deprived of liberty abroad.” It further urged the ministry to actively secure his rights, medical care, and legal representation through diplomatic and consular channels.

Celina’s plea requested the MEA to ensure her brother receives “effective legal representation,” regular consular access, and protection under international law governing consular communication and detainee rights.

What’s next

While the Ministry has maintained that consular access has been granted, details about the charges against Vikrant Jaitly remain unclear. The High Court has instructed the government to submit a detailed status report by early December, even as the actor continues to press for clarity on her brother’s condition and legal situation. 

(With inputs from ANI)