Celina Jaitly's detained brother says he doesn't want to contact her; Delhi High Court closes case

Vikrant Jaitly, brother of Bollywood actor Celina Jaitly, informed the Delhi High Court on Monday that he does not wish to communicate with his sister and decisions on legal matters concerning his detention is United Arab Emirates (UAE) would not be dependant upon the wishes of Celina Jaitly [Celina Jaitly v. Union of India].

Taking note of these statements, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav closed the petition filed by Celina Jaitly who had moved the Court seeking directions to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to facilitate interaction with her brother.

The Court today noted the statements made by Vikrant Jaitly during consular access visit.

The same was placed on record by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma in a sealed report. The ASG stated that the report has been prepared by Embassy of India at Abu Dhabi. 

The Court noted that Vikrant Jaitly has repeatedly insisted on taking decisions in consultation with his wife and that he was of the clear opinion that decision of his legal matters would not be dependant upon the wishes of Celina Jaitly.

“It has come on record that Jaitly [Vikrant] is not willing to enter into any communication with the petitioner [Celina],” the Court noted.

Vikrant Kumar Jaitly has been detained in the UAE for over a year. He had served in the Indian Army and on a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.

As per Celina Jaitly's petition, Major Jaitly 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 Union government's ‘MADAD Portal’ (Online Consular Services Management System).

Alleging that no update was provided on filing the complaint, she moved the Court. She also alleged that she had approached the Indian Embassy in the UAE and the Consulate in Dubai, but in vain.

The Court then proceeded to get Vikrant Jaitly's position on the issue.

After being informed of his position today, the Court closed the petition.

It also recorded Vikrant Jaitly has unequivocally stated that he is not willing to be represented pro bono by any law firm.

“The court directed the officers to bring to the notice of Jaitly that Khalid Almari law firm is willing to provide pro bono legal assistance to him. Even the said request has not been acceded to by Jaitly,” the Court stated.

The Court stated that Celina Jaitly's prayer to maintain regular contact with Vikrant Jaitly has been taken care of by the Indian Embassy at UAE. 

The Court directed that the central government department shall continue to stay in touch with Jailty and provide all legal assistance that may be available in law.

Thus, it disposed of the petition stating that there is no reason to keep the petition pending.

“In view of the facts and developments, there is no reason to keep this petition pending, disposed of,” the order said.

The Court also directed that the central government department shall continue to stay in touch with Jailty and provide all legal assistance that may be available in law.

Central Government Standing Counsel Nidhi Raman and Government Pleader Arnav Mittal with advocate Akash Mishra appeared for the MEA.

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