Delhi High Court Intervenes in Detention Case of Retired Major Jaitly in UAE
The Delhi High Court has issued instructions to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to assist Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly (Retd.), who has been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since September 2024 due to national security issues. Major Jaitly, a former Para special forces officer decorated with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation for Gallantry, had been living in the UAE since 2016, working with a maritime organization before his detention.
The case was brought to court by his sister, Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly, who is his sole blood relative. She has been advocating for his well-being amid claims that he was forcibly disappeared for nine months before his detention was officially recognized. The family has been seeking help from Indian diplomatic entities, including the Embassy and Consulate in the UAE, as well as the Minister of External Affairs, but has not yet received significant information about his condition or legal situation.
Justice Sachin Datta, presiding over the case, directed the MEA to enable communication between Major Jaitly and both Ms. Jaitly and his wife, who is currently in the UAE. The court also requested a comprehensive status report from the MEA detailing their efforts to assist him. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, to assess the progress of these directives.
Following the court's decision, Ms. Jaitly, present at the hearing, expressed hope through a social media statement. She referred to the ruling as a "ray of hope" after 14 months of uncertainty and highlighted her brother's service as a fourth-generation soldier, urging the government to continue supporting efforts for his safe return. She stated, "You fought for us, bhai, now it's time for us to stand behind you," illustrating the family's dedication to his case.
This situation sheds light on the treatment of Indian citizens abroad, particularly in issues involving national security, and emphasizes the importance of judicial oversight in initiating diplomatic efforts. The MEA's forthcoming actions and any further developments will be closely observed in the upcoming weeks.
