Mumbai: Calling his continued presence “a one-sided affair like the David and Goliath war”, multiple murder accused Vijay Palande on Thursday moved sessions court seeking Ujjwal Nikam‘s resignation as special public prosecutor (SPP) in his case while also serving as a Rajya Sabha member.Nikam was nominated to the Upper House of Parliament earlier this year. Palande, in his plea, expressed fears that Nikam could “use undue influence and power to tilt the case in his favor and would go to any length to seek conviction in the case”. He claimed that as MP, Nikam has the might of all agencies in the state and the nation, along with the strong political support of the ruling BJP govt. “It is like one man standing before the giant maw of the system and compelled to play on a slanted playing field,” the plea stated. “It is humbly submitted that as a President-nominated member of Rajya Sabha…Nikam can handle private cases, but the role as a special public prosecutor is indeed affected because of the new position...” Palande pointed out that Nikam’s instance differed from other MPs who are advocates in private practice as he also holds the office of SPP, which is an “office of profit” under the state govt. His plea stated: “…humble application praying for seeking urgent constitutional clarification and action against…Nikam’s simultaneous holding of the office of SPP and membership of Rajya Sabha.” The court directed the prosecution to submit its reply and adjourned the matter to Sept 26.Among the cases Palande is accused of is the April 2012 murder of businessman Arunkumar Tikku (62). Tikku was found dead at his home in Oshiwara. Palande is also on trial in the murder of film producer Karankumar Kakkar. He has been in jail since his arrest in 2012. In June 2024, Palande had moved a trial court against the reinstatement of Nikam as SPP in his case. Nikam, BJP’s nominee from the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat who lost, had resigned from 29 cases before his assembly election campaigning had commenced.
