In a blow to ongoing efforts, consular access to Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly’s brother, Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, was thwarted in the UAE. The retired Major has endured custody for over a year, fueling a high-profile India-UAE consular standoff.
Delhi High Court’s Tuesday hearing heard from MEA that February 13’s scheduled visit fell through. UAE officials stonewalled the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi’s earnest application.
Buying time, MEA asked for four weeks to orchestrate another attempt, with the next court date fixed for March 16.
Rejecting in-camera requests from Vikrant’s wife, the court championed transparent justice, enabling oversight and compliance from authorities.
Orders rang out for government bodies to fast-track legal assistance and consular entitlements. The case roared back into headlines last year via Celina’s petition decrying illegal detention from 2024 onward.
A Dubai fixture since 2016, Vikrant linked with Matity Group in trading ventures, expert consultations, and risk oversight.
Her legal salvo demanded his safe extraction, weaving celebrity clout into a tale of transnational justice. Prolonged detention raises alarms on expatriate protections and diplomatic efficacy.
Stakeholders hold breath as MEA gears up. This chapter tests resolve in bilateral ties, with potential ripples for future interventions. Clarity and action now define the path to Vikrant’s freedom.