New Delhi [India], December 5 (HBTV): The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to inform Retired Major Vikrant during the next consular access that his sister, actor Celina Jaitly, wishes to speak with him. The court further directed the Ministry to facilitate communication between the two through the TAMM app or any other available mode.
Justice Sachin Datta issued the directions while calling for a fresh status report from the Central Government. The bench also reviewed the status report filed by the MEA, which stated that a nodal officer has been appointed in compliance with earlier court orders.
The court is hearing a petition filed by Celina Jaitly seeking consular access and necessary legal assistance for her brother, who is currently in the custody of UAE authorities. The matter has been listed for the next hearing on December 23.
During the proceedings, advocate Raghav Kacker, along with Madhav Agrawal, submitted that Celina had been unable to speak with her brother despite the court’s previous directions. Celina became emotional during the hearing and was consoled by her counsel.
It was further submitted that she was unable to use the TAMM app, a UAE government platform, as it is accessible only to UAE citizens.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, along with the standing counsel for the Central Government, informed the court that efforts were being made to facilitate communication. He noted that Major Vikrant’s wife has access to a weekly video call facility and that consular access has already been provided. He added that the matter also involves national security considerations.
On November 3, the High Court issued notice to the MEA on Celina Jaitly’s petition. Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly has been in detention in Abu Dhabi since 2024.
The petition states that he has been in custody for over 14 months without proper legal or medical assistance and alleges that he was abducted and detained illegally. Celina has sought directions for legal aid, medical support, consular access and verified communication with her brother.
She has also claimed that the MEA has been unable to secure basic information about his welfare and legal status, despite her repeated efforts, including registering a grievance on the MADAD portal, writing to the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai, and meeting MEA officials in person.
According to the petition, Major Vikrant received only four consular visits in May, June, August and September 2025, and the grievance raised on the MADAD portal was marked for closure.
The plea argues that the MEA has a constitutional and moral responsibility to protect Indian citizens detained abroad and must ensure legal representation, medical care and regular consular monitoring.
Celina has sought directions for effective legal representation for her brother, direct communication with him, regular consular updates and assurance that his rights are protected in accordance with international law and conventions. (ANI)