Bombay HC denies pre-arrest bail to Satara sessions court judge in bribery case

Bombay High Court denies pre-arrest bail to judge accused of demanding bribe, ACB alleges involvement in bribery case.

The Bombay High Court on Monday denied pre-arrest bail to Satara district and sessions court judge Dhananjay Nikam, accused of demanding a bribe of ₹5 lakh in exchange for granting a bail in a cheating case.

The Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which booked Mr. Nikam, alleged that he sought a bribe of ₹5 lakh through two private individuals, Kishor Sambhaji Kharat from Mumbai and Anand Mohan Kharat from Satara, from a woman for a favourable order.

Single Bench judge, Justice N. R. Borkar, rejected Mr. Nikam’s application after hearing arguments from both sides.

The ACB told the court that its investigation revealed that the Satara judge was involved in the matter. However, Mr. Nikam denied the allegations, calling them false and sought anticipatory bail. He claimed that he is innocent and is being implicated in the case and there is no evidence to prove that he has demanded bribe or accepted the same.

Mr. Nikam’s petition said he was on leave or deputation during the time the alleged bribe was discussed. He said he had neither issued any bail order nor promised any favourable decision towards any person. He claimed that he was not aware of any such meetings between the complainant and other accused.