New Delhi: Actor Celina Jaitly has penned an emotional note after being told by the Delhi High Court that her brother Major Vikrant Jaitly (retd), who is currently in detention in the UAE, does not wish to communicate with her.
“Gratitude to the Hon’ble Court & Government of India. Today was the last hearing of my writ petition in front of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi. I had approached the Hon’ble Court out of deep concern for the safety, security & well being of my brother, Maj Vikrant Kumar Jaitly. He is in a foreign nation & as his sister, especially in the absence of our parents, I felt it was my duty to ensure that he was not left without protection or support. I am myself navigating extremely difficult personal circumstances, including ongoing matrimonial proceedings, yet my concern for my brother’s welfare compelled me to seek judicial intervention,” she posted on Instagram with an old family photograph.
“Today, I am grateful that before the Hon’ble Court, the Ministry of External Affairs has informed that they have had multiple legal accesses to him & are moving forward to ensure proper legal representation & his well being. This gives me a sense of relief & reassurance that the Government of India is standing by one of its soldiers. I am deeply grateful to
the Hon’ble Court, to the legal system, & to the Government of India for ensuring that his concerns have been heard & addressed,” she added.
“My only intention has always been his safety, dignity & fair treatment. I remain hopeful & thankful for the continued support extended to him by our Government as a son of our nation,” Celina wrote.
The actor had moved the High Court, seeking consular access, legal assistance and facilitating communication with her brother.
On Monday, the Court said the petition could not proceed after learning that Vikrant Jaitly did not wish to communicate with his sister and wanted to handle legal matters only after consulting his wife, Charul Jaitly, as reported by News18.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav passed the order and noted that Vikrant had already been granted consular access but had turned down legal assistance. Authorities informed the court that a law firm had even offered to represent him pro bono, which Vikrant also refused, as reported by Bar and Bench.
Celina had requested assistance in covering her brother’s legal expenses, but the Court reported that Vikrant firmly expressed his unwillingness to be represented by any law firms, including the free services from Khalid Almari’s law firm. She also requested direct communication with him, which Vikrant declined. The Court directed authorities to maintain contact with him and provide any legal assistance available.
While Vikrant’s wife requested that the case details remain confidential, the Court affirmed that state authorities continue to consult with Vikrant and pursue the matter. It then concluded the case, finding no reason to keep the petition pending.