The Bombay High Court on Monday declined to grant pre-arrest bail to Dhananjay Nikam, a Sessions Court judge from Satara District, who has been embroiled in a bribery scandal. The judge was accused by the Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of demanding a Rs 5 lakh bribe to facilitate bail in a cheating case.
Justice N R Borkar presided over the hearing, which was conducted in chambers due to the involvement of a judicial officer. The decision to reject Judge Nikam’s anticipatory bail application was announced without provision for interim relief, with a detailed order to be released later.
Judge Nikam had sought anticipatory bail in January, asserting his innocence and contending that he was falsely implicated in the case. His plea, articulated by advocate Viresh Purwant, argued that the FIR lacked evidence of a direct demand or acceptance of the bribe by him. It highlighted that Nikam was allegedly on leave or deputation on the dates crucial to the prosecution’s case, casting doubts on his involvement.
The case originated from a complaint lodged by a woman whose father, a civilian defense employee, was arrested under charges of cheating by promising government employment. Following a denial of bail by a lower court, a fresh application was submitted to the Satara sessions court, where it was scheduled to be heard by Judge Nikam.
According to the ACB, two private individuals, Kishor Sambhaji Kharat and Anand Mohan Kharat, purportedly demanded the bribe on behalf of Judge Nikam to secure a favorable bail order. This allegation was reportedly confirmed by the ACB during an investigation conducted from December 3 to 9, 2024, which suggested a collusion between Nikam and the Kharats in the bribe solicitation.
Judge Nikam, Kishor Kharat, Anand Kharat, and an unidentified accomplice have been charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act. In his defense, Nikam maintained that he did not avoid the bail hearing nor promise any favorable decisions, and that no such orders were issued during the alleged period.
