In a significant development, the President of India has nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80(1)(a), read with clause (3) of the Indian Constitution. The nominations, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, follow the retirement of earlier nominated members and aim to bring exceptional expertise from various fields into the Upper House.
Prominent among the nominees is Ujjwal Nikam, a renowned advocate and Bharatiya Janata Party leader, widely recognized for his role as special public prosecutor in some of India’s most high-profile criminal cases. Nikam played a key role in securing convictions in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack trial. Over his decades-long legal career, he has handled over 20,000 cases, many involving terrorism, gang violence, and organized crime, earning him national acclaim as one of India’s most formidable prosecutors. His nomination is seen as a tribute to his unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law.
Alongside Nikam, the President has nominated Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former Foreign Secretary and veteran diplomat; C Sadanandan Master, a respected social worker and educationist from Kerala; and Meenakshi Jain, a renowned historian noted for her scholarship on Indian civilization and history.
The nominations have been made under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to nominate individuals with special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service. These appointments ensure the Rajya Sabha continues to benefit from the insights and perspectives of outstanding citizens, enriching legislative discussions with their domain expertise.
