In a notable legal development, the Delhi High Court has instructed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure communication and legal aid for Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly (Retd.), who has been held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since September 2024 over national security issues. Major Jaitly, a Para special forces officer recognized for his bravery with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation for Gallantry, has lived in the UAE since 2016 and was reportedly working for a maritime organization before his detention.
The petition was brought forth by his sister, Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly, his only living family member. She has been vocal about her brother’s well-being amid claims of his enforced disappearance, which reportedly lasted nine months before his detention was formally acknowledged. For over a year, the family has sought assistance from Indian diplomatic entities in the UAE, including the Embassy and Consulate, as well as from the Minister of External Affairs, but has received little information regarding his condition or legal standing.
During a court hearing led by Justice Sachin Datta, the bench ordered the MEA to facilitate direct communication between Major Jaitly and his sister, as well as with his wife, who is currently in the UAE. The court also requested the MEA to file a thorough status report detailing the measures taken in support of the detained veteran. A subsequent hearing has been scheduled for December 4, 2025, to review any progress related to these directives.
Celina Jaitly was present at the proceedings and expressed hopeful feelings following the court’s ruling. In a social media statement, she referred to the decision as a “ray of hope” after 14 months of distress, highlighting her brother’s dedication to the nation as a fourth-generation soldier. She emphasized the need for continued government support to ensure his safe return, stating, “You fought for us, bhai, now it’s time for us to stand behind you,” which underscores the family’s dedication to advocating for his release.
This case draws attention to the treatment of Indian nationals abroad, especially in situations involving national security, and highlights the vital role of judicial oversight in prompting governmental action. The response from the MEA and further developments will be observed closely in the weeks to come.
