Delhi High Court directs MEA to ensure legal aid for Celina Jaitly’s brother detained in UAE

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure that actress Celina Jaitly’s brother - a former Indian Army officer allegedly detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - is provided effective legal representation [Celina Jaitly v. Union Of India].

The actress, who was present in court today, stated in her petition that her brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, was abducted and detained in the UAE for over a year. She sought directions to ensure that he receives legal representation, medical care and the diplomatic assistance of the MEA.

Justice Sachin Datta directed the Central government to file a status report in this matter and also apprise the Court about the state of Major Jaitly's well-being. The Court also directed the Centre to take steps to facilitate contact between Major Jaitly, his wife and his sister.

Further, the Court directed that a nodal officer be appointed to give updates to the former officer’s family regarding his case in the UAE.

"Depute a nodal office and apprise the family members as regards to the status of the detainee and legal proceedings in UAE. Nodal officer to give updates to the family," Justice Datta directed.

Counsel representing Jaitly told the Court that the MEA had not furnished any details regarding the status of his case in UAE or his well-being. However, a counsel for the Central government told the Court that consular access has been granted to him. 

In the petition before the Court, it is stated that Major Jaitly had served in the Indian Army and on a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. He was working with a consultancy firm in the UAE when he was abducted from a mall in the presence of his wife.

Upon being informed about the abduction, Celina Jaitly lodged a complaint on the government's ‘MADAD Portal’ (Online Consular Services Management System). She alleged that no update was provided on filing the complaint. She had also approached the Indian Embassy in the UAE, but in vain.

The matter will be heard next on December 4.

Advocates Raghav Kacker, Ribhav Pande, Madhav Agarwal and Aayush Shukla appeared for Jaitly.

Central Government Standing Counsel Nidhi Raman and Government Pleader Arnav Mittal appeared for the MEA.

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