Ex-Diplomat Harsh Shringla & Ujjwal Nikam, Who Helped Prosecute Kasab, Nominated To Rajya Sabha

Last Updated:July 13, 2025, 10:42 is

Former diplomat Harsh Shringla, and Ujjwal Nikam, the lawyer who helped prosecute 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab, have been nominated to Rajya Sabha.

In a major announcement, the President has nominated former Diplomat Harsh Shringla, and eminent lawyer, Ujjwal Nikam, who helped prosecute 26/11 attack terrorist Ajmal Kasab, to the Rajya Sabha.

In a Gazette notification put out by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday, four members were nominated to the Upper House of the Parliament, which comprised people from varied backgrounds, including diplomacy, the legal fraternity, historian, and social worker.

Those who were named on the MHA list of nominees included Harsh Shringla (accomplished diplomat), Ujjwal Nikam (lawyer), Meenakshi Jain (eminent historian), and Sadanadan Master (Kerala teacher).

The MHA notification said that the persons were being nominated to fill vacancies necessitated by the retirement of nominated members. The President of India can nominate 12 people to the Rajya Sabha. These are well-known individuals from areas like art, literature, and public service. Right now, four of those 12 seats are empty.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (a) of clause (1) of article 80 of the Constitution of India, read with clause (3) of that article, the President is pleased to nominate to the Council of States the following persons to fill the vacancies caused due to retirement of nominated members:- Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, C Sadanandan Master, Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Dr Meenakshi Jain,” the MHA notification said.

Nikam was the public prosecutor in the trial of Ajmal Amir Kasab in the 26/11 case. He helped prosecute the Pakistani terrorist in the sessions court and the Bombay High Court and assisted senior counsel Gopal Subramanium in the Supreme Court. Kasab, the only terrorist captured alive in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, was given the death penalty by a sessions court in May 2010. The decision was further upheld by the High Court in 2011 and thereafter by the Supreme Court.

Nikam also got a ticket from the BJP to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections from the Mumbai North Central constituency. However, he faced defeat at the hands of Congress candidate Varsha Gaikwad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the nomination of Nikam to Rajya Sabha and said that the lawyer has always worked to “strengthen Constitutional values” in his career.

“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 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,” PM Modi tweeted.

Shringla is a former Foreign Secretary of India and an ex-Ambassador to the United States, Bangladesh, and Thailand. He was also the Chief Coordinator during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023.

PM Modi hailed his contributions to India’s foreign policy and said that his perspectives will enrich the Parliamentary proceedings.

“Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla Ji has excelled as a diplomat, intellectual and strategic thinker. Over the years, he’s made key contributions to India’s foreign policy and also contributed to our G20 Presidency. Glad that he’s been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President of India. His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings,” he tweeted.

The Prime Minister praised Dr Meenakshi Jain as someone whose work in the field of education and history has “enriched academic discourse”. He extended best wishes for her tenure as an MP.

“It’s a matter of immense joy that Dr. Meenakshi Jain Ji has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rashtrapati Ji. She has distinguished herself as a scholar, researcher and historian. Her work in the fields of education, literature, history and political science have enriched academic discourse significantly. Best wishes for her Parliamentary tenure,” he tweeted.

PM Modi congratulated Sadanandan Master on his nomination and extended best wishes for his tenure.

“Shri C. Sadanandan Master’s life is the epitome of courage and refusal to bow to injustice. Violence and intimidation couldn’t deter his spirit towards national development. His efforts as a teacher and social worker are also commendable. He is extremely passionate towards youth empowerment. Congratulations to him for being nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rahstrapati Ji. Best wishes for his role as MP,” he said.

Ashesh mallick

Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes…Read More

Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes… Read More

view comments

First Published: