The ongoing legal dispute between actress Celina Jaitley and her brother retired Major Vikrant Jaitley has now ended in a new turn. Delhi High Court on Monday closed Celina Jaitley’s plea in which she had sought permission to meet her brother detained in UAE. The court was informed that his brother has clearly refused to have any kind of contact with him.
Brother refused contact, court was told
The court recorded in its records that retired Major Vikrant Jaitley, who is in custody in UAE, has clearly said during the consular conversation that he does not want to talk to his sister. He has also refused to seek legal representation at this stage, and has said that any future decision on the matter will be taken by his wife.
Justice Purushendra Kumar Kaurav disposed of the petition after considering these things. The court was also told that Vikrant Jaitley has been granted consular access nine times since his arrest.
Embassy report submitted
A report prepared by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi was presented before the court by Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, which contained complete details of the conversation with the detained officer. The report confirmed that Vikrant Jaitley reiterated his desire not to talk to Celina Jaitley.
previous instructions of the court
In the last few weeks, many instructions were given by the court in this matter. On February 17, the High Court had given four weeks’ time to the Ministry of External Affairs to arrange a meeting with Vikrant Jaitley in Abu Dhabi. The direction came after his wife filed a note in the court, following which the court said its copy be shared with all parties.
On February 12, the court had asked the ministry to arrange a meeting and ensure that a power of attorney could be issued in favor of an Emirati law firm, ‘Khalid Al Marri & Partners’. This firm was authorized by the Central Government to represent Vikrant Jaitley. The court had also made it clear that if it did not want to appoint this firm, it could suggest some other firm.
Legal help and family coordination
During the last hearing, the Court had urged the family members, including Celina Jaitley and Charul Jaitley, to make joint efforts to ensure the release of Vikrant Jaitley. It was also reported that the Central Government had issued a letter to the law firm asking him (the officer) to appear legally – including on ‘pro bono’ (free legal aid) basis.
The lawyers appearing for Celina Jaitley included Sandeep Kapoor, Srishti Agarwal and Raghav Kakar.
Also read: Rashmika Mandanna- Vijay Deverakonda Haldi Picture | Not turmeric, this is ‘Haldi-Holi’! Rashmika shared unseen pictures
MEA’s stance on providing facilities
The central government told the court that under the legal assistance framework existing between India and the UAE, there is no provision to facilitate meetings with foreign nationals through courts. However, the government indicated that embassy officials could provide Vikrant Jaitley with information about legal representation – provided this is approved by local authorities.
Also read: Entry of ‘Prahlad Cha’ in Ramayana! Faisal Malik will play Kumbhakarna in Nitesh Tiwari’s film.
Since the detained officer has currently refused any kind of contact or legal assistance, the High Court closed the hearing of the case. Now further steps will be taken in this matter only when the officer himself expresses his desire to participate in it.