Celina Jaitly files a domestic violence case against husband Peter Haag. [Photo: X]
Former Miss India and Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly has taken legal action against her husband Peter Haag, accusing him of severe domestic abuse during their marriage. The actress approached a Mumbai court seeking compensation, protection, and justice after claiming she was forced to leave Austria due to repeated violence.
Celina Jaitly has filed a domestic violence complaint against her husband, Peter Haag, in a Mumbai court. She sought ₹50 crore compensation for alleged physical, emotional, sexual, and verbal abuse during their marriage.
She approached the Judicial Magistrate First Class at Andheri in Mumbai. She accused Peter Haag of “continuous acts of abuse”, cruelty, manipulation, and physical assault. She said the violence forced her to flee Austria and return to India.
Celina Jaitly is a former Miss India Universe 2001 winner, actress, and global equality advocate. She was the 4th runner-up at Miss Universe 2001. Born to an Army officer father and a former beauty queen mother, Celina built a successful modelling and acting career before becoming a UN Equality Champion known for her strong advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights and women’s empowerment. She married Austrian hotelier Peter Haag in 2011 and is a mother of three sons. She made her Bollywood debut with “Janasheen” (2003) and later appeared in several successful films, such as:
Celina alleged that Haag stopped her from working after marriage. She said his behaviour damaged her mental and physical health. Her plea stated: "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 listed several incidents of alleged violence in her complaint. She claimed these acts caused loss of income, personal suffering, and damage to her property.
Celina’s petition included multiple demands:
The case will come up for hearing on December 12 in Mumbai. This case now includes an international legal angle because the couple lived in Austria for years, and Haag filed for divorce there. The situation may require coordination between the Indian and Austrian legal systems.
Celina’s case adds to the rising number of complaints by Indian women married to foreign nationals or NRIs. Many report emotional and financial abandonment abroad. Lawyers say her case could set an example for victims of cross-border domestic violence who struggle to bring their complaints to Indian courts.
Celina has long supported LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights as a UN Equality Champion. Her complaint may spark discussions on why even influential and empowered women struggle to escape abusive marriages. Her case may renew calls for stronger international legal protection for women facing domestic violence outside India.
