Delhi HC closes Celina Jaitly’s plea over brother’s detention in UAE

The Delhi High Court on Monday closed proceedings on actor Celina Jaitly's petition on her brother Vikrant Jaitly's detention in the UAE. The court observed that the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has met Vikrant Jaitly nine times since his arrest and that consular access has been granted to him. The court also clarified that Vikrant Jaitly's well-being should be taken care of by the Indian authorities.

Celina Jaitly had filed a petition seeking effective legal representation for her brother, who has been 'illegally abducted and detained' in the UAE since September 6, 2024. However, Vikrant Jaitly conveyed that he did not wish to be represented by any firm and turned down his sister's suggestion to take pro bono services of a UAE-based firm. He also stated that he did not wish to communicate with his sister and that his wife is the only one who could take decisions on his behalf for legal representation.

The court was informed that in the latest consular meeting on February 18, Vikrant Jaitly took a clear stand that he did not wish to be represented by any firm and turned down his sister's suggestion to take pro bono services of a UAE-based firm. The court also observed that there is no reason to keep the writ petition pending and disposed of it accordingly.

The Centre has been asked to continue to provide legal assistance to Vikrant Jaitly. The court also clarified that Vikrant Jaitly's well-being should be taken care of by the Indian authorities. The high court was hearing a petition by Celina Jaitly seeking effective legal representation for her brother who had been 'illegally abducted and detained' in the UAE since September 6, 2024.