Wrong to brand me as a lawyer who fights only terrorism cases: Nikam

Chandrapur

: Special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said that he has no reservations regarding fighting cases related to Naxalites or wildlife crime. Talking to TOI, he said that it was wrong to brand him as a lawyer who only fought cases related to terrorism and added that he was always ready to fight the cases under other criminal domain to bring criminals to justice. He was in Chandrapur to take part in the yearly prize distribution programme organized by Chandapur Working Journalists Union (CWJU) on Monday.

The lawyer who brought the perpetrator of 26/11 attacks to justice held that Naxalism is equally dangerous to national security and he would readily take up serious Naxal-related cases when and if offered.

Senior journalists Kishor Potanwar and GM Sheikh were honoured with the Karmveer awards which are given every year by CWJU to journalists who have served a long time in the field of journalism with dedication.

Addressing the gathering, the special public prosecutor took a dig at the bureaucrats who have written their autobiographies and books revealing secretes of their professional life and exposing the government. “Writing books after retirement has become fashion among the bureaucrats. As soon as some higher officer gets retired, publishers throng them with lucrative offers to unveil secrets of his official career. Such exposure creates confusion in the society and on instances could create a threat to national security,” he warned.

The lawyer also confessed that several publishers had approached him too, but he turned down their offers. Nikam said that he won’t write his autobiography. He, however also said that he has penned down details of the important cases he has fought so far.Highlighting the seriousness of the issue of media trials of high profile cases, he said, “Media is free to report the proceedings of the trial, but driving to conclusions even before the court has reached its judgment is wrong and detrimental for judicial process.”

Talking about credibility of news and social media, he notedheld that the modern tools of instant sharing of information through social networking have more cons than pros. “Anti social elements are making the misuse of the social media to spread rumours and create schism in the society. It is the ailment for which there is no formidable cure available in terms of law.” He also advocated special laws for security of journalists.

Journalists Kishor Potanwar and GM Sheikh were bestowed the Karmveer awards given by CWJU