A Mumbai court has sought responses from BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ujjwal Nikam, as well as the Maharashtra government, after a multiple murder convict moved a plea demanding his removal as Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) in the case.

The petition was filed by Vijay Palande, who is serving a life sentence for the killings of Delhi businessman Arun Tikku and film producer Karankumar Kakkad. Palande argued that Nikam’s continuation as SPP despite being a Member of Parliament “raises serious Constitutional concerns.”

Citing Article 102 (1)(a) of the Constitution, the plea claims Nikam’s role as SPP amounts to holding an “office of profit” under the state government. Palande contended that while MPs who are lawyers may take up private cases, serving as SPP comes under government employment and is, therefore, disqualifying. He further alleged that Nikam’s “clout and might” could make the trial a “one-sided affair” and a “David and Goliath war.”

Nikam has been associated with the case since 2012, briefly stepping aside when he contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North Central on a BJP ticket. After losing, he was reappointed as SPP, and in July 2025, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu.

This is not the first time Palande has tried to challenge Nikam’s appointment. In October 2024, the Mumbai Sessions Court dismissed a similar plea against his reappointment.

Nikam, who is scheduled to file a formal reply by September 26, has consistently maintained that the position of SPP does not constitute an office of profit, and therefore, he can legally continue his prosecutorial role alongside his duties as a Member of Parliament.