The Delhi High Court, by an interim order passed by Justice Sachin Dutta, has directed the Indian Consulate to provide a list of locally accredited lawyers who can offer legal representation to Celina Jaitly’s Brother, an Indian national detained abroad.
Recording submissions made on behalf of the petitioner, the Court noted that the detainee should be informed of the availability of such local legal assistance and be given a choice in the matter. The Court clarified that the cost of engaging local counsel would ordinarily be borne by the detainee or the family, subject to communication of this position to the detainee. It was further observed that if any lawyer or law firm is willing to waive fees or appear pro bono, the same should be intimated to enable the detainee to exercise an informed choice.
The Court also took note of submissions regarding the possible assistance of the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), observing that the issue of funding should not be pre-empted and appropriate liberty may be available to explore such assistance, if required. The matter has been listed for further consideration in the third week of January.
Appearances:
For the Petitioner: Senior Advocate Sanjay Jain; Advocates Raghav Kacker, Ribhav Pande, Madhav Aggarwal, Suradhish Vats
For the Respondents: ASG Chetan Sharma; CGSC Nidhi Raman
