Former Miss India and Miss Universe runner-up Celina Jaitly has filed a domestic violence case against her Austrian husband, Peter Haag, in a Mumbai court, alleging years of physical, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse. Jaitly known for Bollywood comedies like “No Entry” (2005), “Apna Sapna Money Money” (2006), and “Golmaal Returns” (2008), is seeking ₹50 crore in damages, ₹10 lakh monthly maintenance, and access to their three children, who remain with Haag in Austria.
A court has issued notice to Haag, with the next hearing scheduled for December 12, 2025. In a recent Instagram post linked above, Celina described this legal fight as a battle for her dignity and her children’s future, thanking supporters for standing by her during an extremely difficult time.
Allegations, Legal Action, And Public Statement
In her complaint under the Domestic Violence Act before a Mumbai magistrate court, Celina accuses Haag of repeated cruelty, including racist slurs, controlling behaviour, coercing her to transfer her Mumbai flat, and restricting her ability to work and earn. According to Mid-day, her legal team from Karanjawala & Co. has stated that the abuse allegedly continued throughout the marriage, forcing her to eventually escape to India “with nothing” while the children remained in Austria.
The petition seeks substantial damages and maintenance, along with directions regarding custody and contact with the children. In the Instagram post you shared, Celina appears to frame this case not only as a legal battle but as a deeply personal journey of reclaiming self-respect, expressing gratitude to her well-wishers and emphasising that she is standing up so her children can grow up in an environment free from fear and humiliation.
Background And Evolving Context
Celina and Haag married in 2011, and their relationship, once seen as a “fairy tale”, has now publicly unravelled amid serious allegations of domestic violence and coercive control. Reports indicate Haag has filed for divorce in Austria, creating a cross-border legal tangle involving marital status, property, and child custody.
Celina’s recent posts on social media, including the one you referenced, suggest that “life stripped everything away” but also highlight her resolve to rebuild, portraying herself as a survivor choosing courage over silence. These public statements have helped many understand that domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of fame or social status, and that speaking out can be an important step towards justice and healing.
Struggles with Finding Her Brother
Celina Jaitly has also endured a painful 14-month ordeal as she fights to locate her brother, retired Major Vikrant Jaitly, who was abducted in Dubai and detained in the UAE under unclear circumstances. For eight months, she had no information on his whereabouts, causing immense emotional distress.
The Delhi High Court recently intervened, directing the Indian government to ensure legal and consular access for Major Vikrant and facilitate communication between him and Celina.
Celina openly expressed her anguish and uncertainty, highlighting how this prolonged separation has compounded her personal struggles amid her domestic violence case, emphasizing her resolve to keep fighting for justice and family unity.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case highlights how domestic violence can be insidious, slowly eroding a person’s dignity, independence, and safety long before it becomes visible to the outside world.
The Logical Indian stands firmly with survivors like Celina who choose to speak up, and calls for compassion, fair legal processes, and systems that prioritise the wellbeing of children caught in such conflicts. It is vital that conversations around domestic abuse move beyond stigma and blame, towards empathy, accountability, and genuine support.
