Meet Ujjwal Nikam: 26/11 prosecutor, Padma Shri, and now Rajya Sabha member

In 2016, Nikam was conferred the Padma Shri for his significant contributions to public service through the legal system.

Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, a well-known lawyer who was the Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu.

Remarkably, Nikam, who hails from Maharashtra's Jalgaon, has been at the forefront of some of the most high-profile and sensitive criminal prosecutions in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking to microblogging site X, extended his heartfelt greetings on the nomination to the Upper House, writing, "Shri Ujjwal Nikam’s devotion to the legal field and to our Constitution is exemplary. He has not only been a successful lawyer but also been at the forefront of seeking justice in important cases."

Shri Ujjwal Nikam’s devotion to the legal field and to our Constitution is exemplary. He has not only been a successful lawyer but also been at the forefront of seeking justice in important cases. During his entire legal career, he has always worked to strengthen Constitutional…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2025

"During his entire legal career, he has always worked to strengthen Constitutional values and ensure common citizens are always treated with dignity. It’s gladdening that the President of India has nominated him to the Rajya Sabha. My best wishes for his Parliamentary innings," further noted the Prime Minister.

While he is most prominently associated with the 26/11 Mumbai attacks trial, in which he argued against Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist, his portfolio includes several other landmark cases as well, including the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, the murder of T-Series founder Gulshan Kumar, the trial of BJP leader Pramod Mahajan’s killer, the 2003 twin bombings at Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar, and the 1991 Kalyan bombing.

In 2016, Nikam was conferred the Padma Shri for his significant contributions to public service through the legal system.

Years later, in 2024, he forayed into politics as a BJP candidate from the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat. His political debut, however, ended in a defeat as Congress' Varsha Gaikwad clinched victory in the seat, and represents the Dharavi constituency in the Maharashtra Assembly.

Nikam’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha marks a recognition of his enduring impact on India’s criminal justice system and public life.

Three other distinguished individuals who have also been nominated are Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a seasoned diplomat and former Foreign Secretary; Dr Meenakshi Jain, a respected historian; and C. Sadanandan Master, a Kerala-based educator and social worker.