In a significant legal move, actor Celina Jaitly has initiated domestic violence proceedings against her husband, Austrian businessman Peter Haag. Her petition, filed in a Mumbai court, invokes the Domestic Violence Act and cites manipulation, cruelty and multiple forms of abuse. After reviewing her application, the court has sent an official notice to Haag and scheduled the next hearing for December 12.

Allegations Detailed in Her Complaint

Jaitly’s plea describes severe mistreatment, stating that she endured emotional, verbal, physical and sexual abuse during her marriage. She told the court that the situation forced her to leave Austria and return to India for safety. Her complaint states, “The respondent (Haag) is a narcissistic, self-absorbed individual. He has a short temper and alcoholic tendencies, which have consistently caused the applicant (Jaitly) stress.”

She also accused him of preventing her from working after marriage and pointed to several incidents of aggression. According to her filing, Haag has already approached an Austrian court seeking divorce.

A Marriage Marked by Highs and Painful Lows

The couple married in Austria in 2011. They welcomed twin sons the following year, and another set of twins in 2017. The second set of twins included one child who passed away due to a hypoplastic heart condition.

Despite the turmoil, Jaitly had publicly spoken with affection about their early years together. On their engagement anniversary, she wrote, “14 years ago today Peter Haag flew down to Mumbai for 8 hours only (he had an important meeting the next day) to meet my father and mother. I did not know he asked for their permission to propose to me… That very same night before departure, he proposed to me with a ring.”

She also shared her mother’s words with her followers, “She had predicted at the very same spot, on the very same sofa that Peter proposed to me on that, ‘The wrong one will find you in peace and leave you in pieces, but the right one will find you in pieces and lead you to peace.’ Today 14 years later after many high’s and many many lows we look back together on all the things that we were destined to endure,” she reflected.

In the same post, she added, “Marriage should be above all small bickerings … Marriage should be above everything that makes us human.”

Her Legal Requests

Along with her allegations, Jaitly has asked the court to order Haag to pay ₹50 crore in compensation and Rs 10 lakh every month for maintenance. She has also demanded access to her children, who are currently living with their father in Austria.

Another Ongoing Legal Battle

This domestic violence complaint comes soon after another case filed by the actress. Last month, she approached a Delhi court saying that her brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitly, had been “illegally abducted and detained” in the UAE.

He has lived there since 2016 while working with the MATITI Group, a firm dealing in consultancy, trade and risk-management services. According to Celina, the Ministry of External Affairs has not been able to provide “basic information” about his well-being or legal position since September 2024.

The Delhi court has asked authorities to ensure communication channels between Celina, her brother, and his wife.

Professional Background

Jaitly, who has acted in No Entry, Golmaal Returns, Thank You, Apna Sapna Money Money and Money Hai Toh Honey Hai, has largely stayed away from mainstream film work in recent years, making her public appearances mostly through major personal updates.