Bollywood actor Celina Jaitly has expressed relief and gratitude following the Delhi High Court’s intervention concerning her brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, an Indian Army officer who has been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since September 2024. Speaking to ANI, the actor described the past year as a “nightmare” and voiced concern over how Indian soldiers have increasingly become targets while serving abroad.

The Case of Maj. Vikrant Kumar Jaitly

Maj. Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, a retired officer of the Indian Army and a former special forces operative, has allegedly been held in detention in the UAE for over 14 months, reportedly over national security concerns. His detention has reportedly involved a lack of access to legal representation and medical care.

Celina Jaitly, who has been actively pursuing the matter, approached the Delhi High Court seeking urgent legal and medical assistance for her brother. The actor, personally present in court, was represented by advocates Raghav Kacker, Ribhav Pande, and Madhav Aggarwal.

In her petition, Celina alleged that her brother had been illegally abducted and detained in Abu Dhabi since September 2024. She claimed that despite the passage of more than a year, the Government of India had failed to obtain substantive information regarding his welfare or legal status. The petition further stated that the Centre’s efforts had been limited to “perfunctory consular assistance” without any meaningful updates or intervention.

Delhi High Court Intervenes

The Delhi High Court responded by issuing a notice to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), directing the government to file a status report within four weeks. Additionally, the court instructed the appointment of a nodal officer tasked with monitoring Maj. Jaitly’s situation, facilitating communication with him, ensuring he receives legal assistance, and keeping the family updated on developments.

Speaking to ANI, Celina described the HC’s notice as a “significant relief” and expressed hope that it would help expedite her brother’s return. She said, “It has been a nightmare for me for a year. I am very grateful for today’s judgment. As India is rising and becoming bigger in the international diaspora, our soldiers are becoming targets overseas over and over again. I think today’s judgment will really help in bringing him back, and I am very grateful to my lawyer Raghav and the entire team here.”

Legal Representation and Steps Forward

Advocate Raghav Kacker, representing Celina, emphasized that the appointment of a nodal officer would be a critical step in ensuring effective legal support and facilitating regular communication between Maj. Jaitly and his family. He stated, “A nodal officer has been appointed to help the petitioner and her brother communicate, to give him effective legal assistance, to keep us updated on the case status. These steps will help us secure his release. This will go a long way in strengthening the ties between the UAE and India.”

Kacker further highlighted that details regarding the detention, including the precise charges or legal proceedings against Maj. Jaitly, remain unclear. However, he expressed optimism that the High Court’s directives and engagement of a nodal officer would bring much-needed clarity and assistance.

Broader Concerns About Indian Soldiers Abroad

Celina’s public statements have also drawn attention to a growing concern regarding the vulnerability of Indian military personnel overseas. She noted that as India asserts itself on the global stage, soldiers and former officers are increasingly exposed to detention or legal challenges in foreign countries.

Her comments underline the challenges faced by Indian authorities in ensuring diplomatic and consular support for citizens, particularly those in sensitive positions such as military personnel. The High Court’s order reflects judicial acknowledgment of the need for more proactive engagement in such cases, especially when long-term detention and lack of access to legal and medical support are involved.

Family Response and Public Support

The Jaitly family has remained deeply concerned about Maj. Vikrant Kumar Jaitly’s welfare over the past year. Celina has repeatedly appealed to the Government of India and the UAE authorities for prompt intervention. She acknowledged the efforts of her legal team in navigating complex diplomatic and judicial channels, emphasizing that the High Court’s notice provides hope for a resolution.

The Delhi High Court’s directive is expected to ensure that the MEA and other relevant agencies take immediate steps to assess his condition, provide legal assistance, and facilitate communication with family members. This intervention also serves as a precedent for similar cases involving Indian citizens, especially those with national security or military affiliations, detained abroad.

Next Steps

With the court’s order, the MEA will now submit a comprehensive status report within the stipulated four-week period. The newly appointed nodal officer will play a key role in ensuring that Maj. Jaitly receives consistent legal aid, medical attention if required, and a channel of communication with his family.

Celina Jaitly’s case has also sparked public discourse around the treatment of Indian military personnel abroad, highlighting the need for stronger diplomatic engagement and structured consular mechanisms to protect citizens facing prolonged detention.

In her statement, Celina reaffirmed her hope that the High Court’s intervention would pave the way for her brother’s safe return to India, describing the court’s notice as a critical step in what has been an extremely challenging and emotional year for her and her family.