From Kasab to Parliament: Ujjwal Nikam’s Fight for Justice

Paromita Das
New Delhi, 15th July: When one thinks of courtroom battles that shaped Bharat’s modern legal landscape, Ujjwal Nikam’s name invariably stands tall. For decades, he has been the face of Bharat’s fight against terrorism and heinous crimes, wielding the power of words and law to deliver justice where it seemed nearly impossible.

A Prosecutor Who Became a Household Name

Ujjwal Nikam did not choose the easy path. He chose to stand in courtrooms brimming with tension, facing threats, controversies, and unimaginable public scrutiny. His career’s turning point was, without a doubt, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. As the Special Public Prosecutor, Nikam’s sharp cross-examinations and watertight evidence ensured that Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist, faced the full brunt of the law. It was a trial that tested the nation’s patience and Nikam’s perseverance, concluding within two years — an impressive feat for a case of such magnitude.

Before Kasab, Nikam was already deep in the labyrinth of the 1993 Bombay blasts case, a dark scar in Bharat’s history. For over fourteen years, he relentlessly prosecuted suspects, ensuring that masterminds behind the mass murder were brought to justice. The trial turned into a saga of resilience, cementing Nikam’s standing as someone who never gave up, no matter how long justice took.

More Than Just Terror: Crimes That Shook Bharat

While terrorism cases brought him fame, Nikam’s courtroom battles extended to gruesome murders and social atrocities that demanded urgent justice. He prosecuted the killers of BJP leader Pramod Mahajan and ensured Gulshan Kumar’s murder did not fade into a cold file. The haunting Khairlanji Dalit massacre, the shocking Shakti Mills gang rape, and the Kopardi rape case — each a chilling chapter in Bharat’s crime files — found Nikam standing firm for the victims, securing life sentences and death penalties where the law demanded it.

Stepping Beyond the Courtroom

In 2010, Nikam’s expertise gained him a seat at the UN counter-terrorism convention. There, he didn’t just represent a courtroom warrior — he represented Bharat’s unyielding stand against terror on the world stage.

Yet, a career as visible as his was bound to attract controversies. When he famously claimed that Kasab demanded mutton biryani in jail — a remark later admitted to be fabricated — Nikam faced harsh criticism. He justified it as a tactic to crush any misplaced sympathy for the terrorist, a move some saw as pragmatic and others found troubling. But controversies, it seems, were never enough to overshadow his unwavering commitment to justice.

The Unexpected Political Leap

When Nikam decided to enter politics in 2024, many wondered if the seasoned prosecutor could transform his courtroom success into electoral victory. His Lok Sabha bid from Mumbai North Central as a BJP candidate fell short by just 16,514 votes — a narrow margin that hinted at his public appeal and the tough ground realities of Bharatiya politics. However, the nation wasn’t ready to lose his experience so soon. His nomination to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80(1)(a) was a nod to his remarkable service in the realm of law and justice.

Why Nikam Still Matters

Bharat is grappling with complex challenges — from terror threats to questions of women’s safety. In this climate, voices like Ujjwal Nikam’s hold rare value. He is not just a figurehead but a reminder that justice is not a theoretical concept — it is painstaking, relentless work. His push for stronger extradition laws and legal reforms reflects a vision that blends real-world courtroom grit with policy-making foresight.

A New Chapter for a Veteran Crusader

Ujjwal Nikam’s journey from prosecuting Bharat’s deadliest terrorists to occupying a seat in the Rajya Sabha is more than just a career arc — it’s a symbol of the link between fearless prosecution and thoughtful legislation. His presence in Parliament carries the weight of his life’s work: a promise that the law can reach even the darkest corners of crime and terror.

In a time when Bharat debates its security and rule of law, Nikam’s story is a powerful reminder that courage and conviction, when carried from the courtroom to the legislature, can truly strengthen a nation’s backbone.