Bombay High Court Denies Pre Arrest Bail To Judge Accused Of Bribery

The Bombay High Court on Monday refused to grant anticipatory bail to Dhananjay Nikam, a Sessions Court judge from Satara, who is at the center of a bribery scandal. The Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has accused him of demanding a ?5 lakh bribe to facilitate bail in a cheating case.

 

Justice N.R. Borkar, who heard the matter in chambers due to the involvement of a judicial officer, denied Nikam’s plea without granting any interim relief. A detailed order explaining the decision will follow.

 

Judge Nikam had moved the High Court in January, asserting his innocence. His lawyer, Viresh Purwant, argued that there was no direct evidence of him demanding or accepting a bribe. He further pointed out that Nikam was on leave or deputation on the key dates mentioned by the prosecution, raising doubts about his alleged involvement.

 

The case began with a complaint from a woman whose father, a civilian defense employee, was arrested on charges of cheating—he had allegedly promised government jobs in exchange for money. After his bail plea was denied by a lower court, a fresh application was scheduled for hearing before Judge Nikam in the Satara Sessions Court.

 

According to the ACB, two private individuals, Kishor Sambhaji Kharat and Anand Mohan Kharat, allegedly demanded the bribe on Nikam’s behalf to ensure a favorable bail order. The investigation, conducted between December 3 and 9, 2024, reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting a link between the judge and the Kharats in the bribery attempt.

 

Judge Nikam, along with the two Kharats and another unidentified individual, now faces charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. In his defense, Nikam insists that he neither avoided the bail hearing nor promised any favorable ruling. He also maintains that no such order was issued during the alleged period.

 

As the legal battle unfolds, the case raises serious questions about judicial integrity and the workings of the justice system. With his bail plea rejected, Judge Nikam’s next legal move will be crucial in determining his fate.

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