In a decisive move addressing judicial accountability, the Bombay High Court has dismissed Additional Sessions Judge Dhananjay Nikam and Civil Judge (Senior Division) Irfan Shaikh for serious misconduct.
The action against Nikam arose after allegations surfaced that he demanded a Rs 5 lakh bribe to secure the bail of a woman’s father, who was in judicial custody in a cheating case. The High Court, while denying his anticipatory bail, observed, “We have perused the probe papers and, the alleged conversation between Nikam and the complainant. There is a sufficient incriminating material against the applicant to connect him with the crime in question.” The Court further held, “This conduct of the applicant, prima facie, corroborates prosecution case. Considering overall facts and circumstances, I am not inclined to release the applicant on anticipatory bail.”
Shaikh’s dismissal stems from a 2022 road accident during his tenure as Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate. Shaikh, contesting the decision, stated, “I will challenge my dismissal in court,” maintaining that the allegations against him are unfounded.
The dismissals reflect the High Court’s commitment to uphold integrity within the judiciary, emphasizing that misconduct, whether involving financial impropriety or professional negligence, will not be tolerated.
Police had registered an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act and relevant BNS provisions against Nikam and two others in connection with the bribery allegations, prompting judicial scrutiny and eventual action.
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