A Glimmer of Hope: Delhi High Court Pushes for Video Call with Celina Jaitly's Brother Missing in Iraq

There's a palpable sense of anticipation and, dare I say, relief stirring in legal circles and, more importantly, for a particular family, as the Delhi High Court has recently issued a crucial directive. In a case that has undoubtedly caused immense distress for Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly and her family, the court has now granted the Indian government, specifically the Centre, a four-week window. The mission? To facilitate a video call with Celina's brother, Vikrant Jaitly, who, you know, has been untraceable in Iraq for quite some time now.

This whole situation, really, stems from a habeas corpus petition filed by Celina Jaitly herself. She's been desperately trying to ascertain the whereabouts and well-being of her brother, Vikrant. The last time anyone in the family heard from him was back in April 2023. Imagine the agony of not knowing if your loved one is safe for almost a year. He was reportedly last seen in Erbil, within the Kurdistan region of Iraq, making the search incredibly complex, traversing international borders and political landscapes.

Previously, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had communicated to the court that Vikrant was, in their words, "untraceable" in Iraq. It was a bleak update, to say the least. However, in a development that feels like a significant turning point, the MEA has now received what they're calling "fresh inputs." These inputs, crucially, suggest that Vikrant Jaitly is, in fact, alive and still somewhere in Iraq. It's not definitive proof, mind you, but it’s certainly a ray of hope that wasn't there before.

The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Subramonium Prasad, has wisely taken this new information seriously. The court’s primary objective, it seems, is to verify these fresh inputs directly. A video call, after all, offers a direct, albeit virtual, line of communication. It would not only confirm his well-being but also, one hopes, provide clarity on his current status and circumstances in Iraq. The clock is now ticking for the MEA and the relevant government bodies to make this crucial connection happen within the stipulated four weeks.

For Celina Jaitly and her family, this court order represents more than just a legal formality; it’s a vital step towards finding closure or, better yet, facilitating a safe return. It underscores the unwavering efforts of a sister fighting for her brother, and the Indian judiciary's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. Everyone involved, from the family to the legal teams and government officials, will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of these next four weeks, hoping for that much-needed visual confirmation and, perhaps, the beginning of the end of this prolonged ordeal.