The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to facilitate immediate contact between actor Celina Jaitly and her detained brother, retired Indian Army Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, who has been held in the UAE since September 2024 on national security grounds. Justice Sachin Datta's bench also mandated communication between Jaitly and his wife in the UAE while seeking a detailed status report on diplomatic efforts. The next hearing is scheduled for December 4, marking progress in a case the family describes as an "enforced disappearance" lasting over nine months.

Celina Jaitly, present in court, hailed the ruling as a "ray of hope" in an emotional Instagram post from the High Court gates. "After an arduous 14 months, I have finally reached the light at the end of the dark tunnel," she wrote, vowing to fight for her brother—a fourth-generation soldier and COAS Gallantry Commendation recipient. As his sole blood relative, she urged the government to protect "defenders" of the nation, trusting only Indian authorities to secure his release.

The petition highlights Vikrant Jaitly's UAE residency since 2016 and alleges detention without charges or consular access, despite repeated appeals to the Indian Embassy, Consulate, and External Affairs Minister. It demands legal and financial aid, medical care, and diplomatic intervention under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963. Counsel argued India's obligation to assist nationals abroad, especially a decorated veteran.

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This case underscores challenges for Indian expatriates in the Gulf, where national security detentions often limit transparency. Over 3.5 million Indians live in the UAE, contributing to bilateral ties worth $85 billion annually, yet consular delays in sensitive matters persist. Jaitly's military background amplifies calls for swift action.

As MEA compiles its report, Celina continues public advocacy, blending grief with resolve: "You fought for us, bhai; now it's time for us to stand behind you." The ruling offers familial reconnection amid uncertainty. With global scrutiny on detainee rights, this intervention could set precedents for humanitarian diplomacy, ensuring veterans like Jaitly receive prioritised support. Celina's plea resonates as a testament to sibling loyalty and national duty.

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