In a significant development in the ongoing saga of retired Major Vikrant Jaitly’s detention in Abu Dhabi, the Delhi High Court has expressed its desire to directly communicate with him via video conferencing. The court, hearing a petition filed by Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly seeking consular access for her brother, has also sought clarifications from the Central government on the arrangements for this interaction.
The bench emphasized the need to ascertain Vikrant’s preferences regarding legal representation—whether he wishes to be assisted by his sister Celina or his wife. This step comes amid allegations that the former Indian Army Special Forces officer and UN peacekeeper has been unlawfully held in the UAE since September 2024 at the Al Wathba Detention Centre. For weeks, the family remained in the dark about his whereabouts and the charges against him.
Earlier, the court had directed the Ministry of External Affairs to engage a pro-bono legal firm in the UAE to represent Vikrant. Celina has publicly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for intervention to secure the release of this ex-serviceman. The High Court has imposed a gag order on both parties, prohibiting media interactions to ensure the sensitive matter proceeds judiciously.
Arrangements for the video call and further details on consular access will be deliberated, with the next hearing scheduled for February 12. This move underscores the judiciary’s proactive role in safeguarding the rights of Indian nationals abroad, particularly veterans who have served the nation with distinction.