Bollywood actor Celina Jaitly has been making headlines for some time now. First, due to her struggles to rescue her brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, who has been held in the UAE since September 2024, and later, her divorce. Just days after the Delhi High Court ordered the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to facilitate communication between Celina and her brother, the situation has now taken an unexpected turn after her sister-in-law, Charul Jaitly, is now challenging her version of events.
Celina Jaitly`s sister-in-law questions her behaviour
Speaking through her lawyer, advocate Sudhanshu Pandey, Charul Jaitly spoke out against Celina’s statements, while questioning both the timing and intent behind the actor’s legal action. Her advocate stated that Charul has been deeply involved in her husband’s case right from the beginning. Likewise, she had already taken formal steps with the MEA long before Celina, who filed her petition recently.
Speaking about Vikrant’s professional background, Sudhanshu shared, “Vikrant was an ex-army officer… In 2016–17, due to family circumstances, he took premature retirement and since then he has been settled in Dubai, running his own work.” He further shared how Charul had been informed by authorities that the case involved “national security issues and cyber issues” related to the companies Vikrant may have dealt with.
The advocate added that an investigation formally began around September 6, 2023, following which Charul had adhered to protocol while awaiting clearer information from UAE officials.
He went on to claim that Charul had reached out to Celina initially when Vikrant was detained, but the actress offered “no visible help” at the time. He added, “While Charul was never informed by Celina that she had decided to take any legal recourse, it would have been better if she had consulted Charul. If this was something motivated by genuine concern for her brother, she should have consulted us.”
He also rejected Celina’s claims that the family was withholding information, saying, “We strongly rebut this. There has been absolutely no reason for withholding anything.”
Celina Jaitly granted permission to talk to her brother
On Thursday, the Delhi High Court directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to inform Retired Major Vikrant in the next consular access that his sister Celina, wants to talk to him. The High Court also directed the Ministry to facilitate her communication with him through the TAMM App or by any other mode.
Justice Sachin Datta, after giving the direction, called for a fresh status report from the Central Government. The bench also perused the status report filed by the MEA. It was informed that pursuant to the previous directions, a nodal officer has been appointed by the Central Government.
During the hearing, Jaitly broke down, and she was consoled by her counsel. It was also submitted that she is not able to talk to her brother through the TAMM (UAE government App) as she is not a citizen. Only UAE citizens can use the app.
The matter has now been listed for December 23. On November 3, the Delhi High Court issued notice to the Ministry of External Affairs on a plea moved by Celina Jaitly. Her brother Maj. (Rtd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly has been in detention in Abu Dhabi, UAE, since 2024. She approached the Delhi High Court seeking a direction to the Indian authorities to provide legal and medical assistance to her brother.
(With inputs from ANI)