In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to facilitate communication and provide legal assistance to Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly (Retd.), who has been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since September 2024 on grounds related to national security concerns. Major Jaitly served in Para special forces officer, a decorated veteran with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation for Gallantry, has resided in the UAE since 2016 and was reportedly employed with a maritime-related organization prior to his detention.
The petition was filed by his sister, Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly, who is his only blood relative and has been advocating for his welfare amid claims of enforced disappearance lasting nine months before the formal acknowledgment of his detainment. The family has sought intervention from Indian diplomatic channels, including the Embassy and Consulate in the UAE, as well as the Minister of External Affairs, for over a year without receiving substantial updates on his condition or legal status.
During the court hearing presided over by Justice Sachin Datta, the bench instructed the MEA to enable direct contact between Major Jaitly and Ms. Jaitly, as well as with his wife, who is currently in the UAE. Additionally, the court has requested a detailed status report from the MEA outlining its efforts to support the detained individual. The next hearing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, to review progress on these directives.
Ms. Jaitly, who attended the proceedings, expressed optimism following the court’s order. In a statement shared on social media, she described the ruling as a “ray of hope” after 14 months of uncertainty, emphasizing her brother’s service to the nation as a fourth-generation soldier and calling for continued governmental support to ensure his safe return. She stated, “You fought for us, bhai, now it’s time for us to stand behind you,” underscoring the family’s commitment to his cause.
This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of Indian nationals abroad, particularly in matters involving national security, and underscores the role of judicial oversight in prompting diplomatic action. The MEA’s response and subsequent developments will be closely monitored in the coming weeks.
