New Delhi’s legal corridors are buzzing as the Delhi High Court dives deeper into the high-stakes battle to free retired Indian Army Major Vikas Jaitly from UAE custody. Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly, his sister, has been leading the charge, but family rifts are complicating the rescue mission.
In a pivotal hearing, the court directed the lawyer representing Vikas Jaitly’s wife to submit a sealed envelope containing critical details. This move aims to confidentially uncover the major’s true intentions and the legal dynamics at play, shielding sensitive information from public scrutiny.
The Central Government updated the court on its proactive steps. It has formally requested consular access from UAE authorities to meet Vikas and appointed UAE law firm Khalid Al Mary to represent him. The bench pressed the government to clearly communicate these arrangements to Vikas, ensuring transparency on how his defense will unfold.
Tensions flared over statements from Vikas’s wife. She objected to Celina’s petition in the Delhi High Court, claiming it was filed without her consent. Asserting her sole authority to appoint lawyers for her husband, she revealed a recent jail visit where Vikas explicitly rejected Celina’s recommended firm.
According to her, Vikas prefers government-appointed counsel through the Ministry of External Affairs for his UAE case. The court acknowledged this discord, suggesting Vikas could nominate an alternative firm if needed. It also instructed the ministry to share Celina’s petition with him and inquire about his willingness to meet his sister.
The next hearing is set for February 19, as the court continues to navigate this intricate family and diplomatic tangle. Stakeholders watch closely, hoping for Vikas’s swift release and resolution of these familial disputes.