Delhi HC permits Celina Jaitly to file additional affidavit in petition related to her detained brother

New Delhi [India], January 29 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday permitted Celina Jaitly to file an additional affidavit in response to the status report filed by the Central Government. She urged the filing of an additional affidavit to place on record certain new facts in the petition concerning her brother, who is detained in inthe UAE.
Her brother, Vikrant Jaitly, is a retired major in the Indian Army.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav asked the counsel for Celina Jaitly to file the additional affidavit and listed the matter for hearing on February 3. She was present during the hearing.
Advocate Raghav Kacker alongwith Madhav Agrawal, appeared for Celina Jaitly.
On December 23, after a chamber hearing, the Delhi High Court issued fresh directions in the plea.
Justice Sachin Datta had noted that, in compliance with earlier orders, Major Jaitly continues to receive consular access. During the hearing, Celina Jaitly requested that arrangements be made for the availability of a local lawyer or law firm to ensure effective legal representation for her brother.
Upon accepting the request, the Court directed that the Indian Consulate shall provide a list of locally accredited lawyers or law firms who can represent the detained person, should he choose to avail of such services.
The Court had clarified that engagement of any lawyer or law firm would be subject to the detained person or his family bearing the costs, and this condition must be clearly communicated to him.
Justice Datta further observed that if any lawyer or law firm is willing to waive professional charges, the same should also be communicated to Major Jaitly, enabling him to make an informed decision. The Court added that the specific name of the lawyer or law firm must be communicated to him.
Earlier, the Delhi High Court had directed the Centre, through the Ministry of External Affairs, to facilitate communication between Celina Jaitly and her brother, who has been detained in the UAE for over a year. Jaitly had approached the Court seeking effective legal assistance, along with regular updates on her brother's welfare and legal status.
The Court had previously ordered the appointment of a nodal officer and directed that regular updates be provided to the family, while ensuring continued consular access and facilitating communication between the detainee, his sister, and his wife.