The Supreme Court dismissed a plea by Abu Salem, a convict in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, seeking early release under the India-Portugal extradition agreement. Abu Salem, convicted under TADA, claimed entitlement to release after 25 years, including remission for good conduct. The court allowed him to withdraw the plea to approach the Bombay High Court for an expedited hearing.
Abu Salem sought release specifying completion of 25 years, but the High Court noted the period was yet to be fulfilled. His lawyer argued for early release based on remission calculations, claiming an error in the authorities’ assessment. However, the Supreme Court declined to entertain the plea, advising Abu Salem to address the matter with the High Court.
The Maharashtra government stated Abu Salem had not completed 25 years of imprisonment, with records showing over 19 years served till March 31, 2025. Abu Salem, sentenced to life in the Mumbai blasts case, argued his continued incarceration violated his constitutional rights. Extradited under the Indo-Portugal treaty, his sentence was reduced to 25 years as per assurances to Portugal.
