The Delhi High Court granted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) three to four weeks’ time to continue diplomatic efforts with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities in connection with the detention of Vikrant Jaitly.

The Court noted that the dispute at this stage was not between the petitioner and any private party, but concerned the steps being taken by the MEA through diplomatic channels. It observed that it would rely on the stand and submissions of the ministry, and not on individual allegations exchanged between parties. Emphasising judicial restraint, the Court said it could not issue directions incapable of implementation by foreign authorities.

During the hearing, the MEA informed the Court that earlier requests by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi for consular access to Mr. Jaitly had not been approved by UAE authorities. It was further submitted that the ministry has written to relevant departments to examine the possible invocation of the India–UAE Mutual Legal Assistance framework and is pursuing cooperation through diplomatic channels, including the possibility of facilitating a virtual interaction between the Court and the detainee.

Taking note of these submissions, the Court found the prayer for additional time to be reasonable and adjourned the matter, listing it next in mid-March. The petitioner was granted liberty to place additional material on record, while directing that any sensitive material supplied by the authorities be kept confidential and not shared with the media, in terms of the undertaking given.

The Court also recorded that while there was, in principle, no objection to the appointment of legal counsel for the detainee, the respondents had placed certain conditions on record, which would be considered at the next hearing on 16th March, 2026.