The Bombay High Court on Monday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of a Satara District and Sessions Judge accused of demanding a ₹5 lakh bribe for granting bail in a cheating case.

Justice NR Borkar, sitting as a single judge, refused to grant relief to the accused judge, Dhananjay Nikam, after considering arguments from both him and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The proceedings were conducted in camera, restricting public access.

The State Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) booked 46-year-old Dhananjay Nikam for allegedly soliciting a bribe through two intermediaries—Kishor Sambhaji Kharat from Mumbai and Anand Mohan Kharat from Satara. 

According to the ACB, the Kharat brothers approached the complainant in the case and demanded ₹5 lakh on Nikam’s behalf. The agency's investigation reportedly confirmed Nikam’s involvement, alleging that he acted in collusion with the intermediaries. 

In his anticipatory bail plea, Nikam vehemently denied the charges, calling them baseless. He argued that no direct evidence linked him to any bribe demand or acceptance of money. He further contended that he was on leave or deputation when the alleged bribe discussion took place and had no role in the case. He also asserted that he neither issued any bail orders nor assured any favorable outcome. 

Additionally, Nikam claimed he was unaware of any meetings between the complainant and the intermediaries.  

During an earlier hearing, the High Court had directed an HDFC Bank branch in Satara to provide CCTV footage from December 9, 2024. This followed the prosecution's claim that the footage could support allegations of an incriminating conversation between Nikam and the complainant while they were traveling in a car towards the bank.  

After reviewing the arguments and evidence, the Court rejected Nikam’s anticipatory bail plea.  

Senior Advocate Ashok Mundargi, along with advocates Jayant Bardeskar and Barsha Parulekar, instructed by advocate Vresh Purwant, represented Nikam.  

Additional Public Prosecutor Veera Shinde appeared for the State.