Who is Ujjwal Nikam, 26/11 Mumbai Attack Prosecutor, Nominated to Rajya Sabha by President Murmu

Mumbai: Ujjwal Nikam, a distinguished public prosecutor renowned for his role in high-stakes terrorism cases, has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu. The nomination honors Nikam’s decades-long commitment to justice and his significant contributions to India’s legal system.
With over 40 years of legal practice, Nikam has earned widespread respect for handling some of India’s most challenging criminal cases. He served as the Special Public Prosecutor in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, a pivotal case exposing the complexities of organized terrorism. Nikam also led the prosecution of Ajmal Kasab, the sole surviving perpetrator of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, securing a conviction that delivered justice for countless victims. His portfolio extends to other high-profile cases, including the murders of music mogul Gulshan Kumar and senior BJP leader Pramod Mahajan.
Nikam’s reputation stems from his rigorous case preparation, courtroom prowess, and ability to present compelling evidence in complex trials. In 2016, his contributions earned him the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, recognizing his service to the judiciary and public welfare.
His work has bolstered public confidence in India’s judicial system and underscored the critical role of effective prosecution in maintaining law and order. Nikam’s Rajya Sabha nomination is viewed as an opportunity to bring his legal expertise and practical prosecutorial experience to legislative discussions on justice and national security.
Despite an unsuccessful bid in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North Central, where he ran as a BJP candidate and lost to Congress’s Varsha Gaikwad, Nikam’s professional standing remains formidable. His entry into the Rajya Sabha is expected to enrich parliamentary debates, particularly on legal reforms and security matters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Nikam’s nomination in a tweet, highlighting his contributions. Nikam joins three other nominees: Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a former Indian Foreign Secretary; C Sadanandan Master, a teacher and activist from Kerala; and Meenakshi Jain, a 2020 Padma Shri awardee and noted historian and political scientist.