New Delhi: Actor  Celina Jaitly approached the Delhi High Court seeking help for her brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitley, detained in the UAE. Celina has filed a writ petition and asked the court to intervene in providing her sibling with medical, legal and diplomatic assistance. 

The UN Equality Champion filed the petition with the help of  Advocate Madhav Aggarwal. Meanwhile, Advocate Raghav Kacker is the arguing counsel. Celina's brother has allegedly been detained since September 2024. The actress has invoked the writ jurisdiction of the Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, stressing that MEA is obligated to protect the Indian citizen detained abroad. 

The petition requests that the court provide a provision for legal representation to Major (Retd.) Vikrant. Secondly, it asked the court for financial assistance for the necessary legal expenses. Thirdly, the petition requested the court to help her establish communication lines with her detained brother. The actress has requested the intervention through the right diplomatic channels to ensure medical and humanitarian care. The petition also stated that the welfare of her brother should be monitored continuously, and updates should be sent to the petitioner. 

Celina also wants the UAE authorities to ensure that her brother's rights under international law and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, are respected. 

In the plea, Celina stated that even after a year of representations to the Indian Embassy, Consulate, and the Minister of External Affairs, the family is still in the dark about the Major's health condition or legal status.

She also stated that the government's lack of intervention violates the fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21. It is also against India's rule to safeguard the lives of its citizens. 

Celina Jaitly's statement

Meanwhile, Celina wrote on Instagram, "  write this from the gates of the esteemed Delhi High Court with immense gratitude, as after an arduous 14 months I have finally reached the light at the end of the dark tunnel. I have just exited the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi, where my writ petition regarding my brother Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly was heard in open court." She continued, "Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sachin Datta issued notice in my petition & directed the Government to file a status report. Justice Datta also appointed a nodal officer for coordinating all assistance & facilitating contact in the matter of my brother Major (Retd) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, Veteran Indian Army, Infantry, 3 Para, Special Forces, who has been a victim of an enforced disappearance for 9 months followed by detainment."