Supreme Court reserves order on Abu Salem plea

The Supreme Court today reserved its order on gangster Abu Salem plea for quashing trials against him in various cases after the Portugal court terminated his extradition to India for "violation" of deportation rules by authorities in New Delhi.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its order on gangster Abu Salem plea for quashing trials against him in various cases after the Portugal court terminated his extradition to India for "violation" of deportation rules by authorities in New Delhi.

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A bench headed by Justice P Sathasivam said that it would pass order after considering CBI's submission that the agency is ready to drop certain charges against 45-year-old Salem under TADA and Explosive Substances Act in view of its commitment to Portuguese government at the time of his extradition that he shall not be awarded death penalty or detained in custody for more than 25 years if found guilty.

Attorney general GE Vahanwati said government is committed to its assurance given to the Portuguese court and sought the apex court's permission to drop the additional charges framed against Salem by the trial court.

"The applicant (CBI) reiterates its commitment which was given to the Portugal government/court when Salem was extradited to India to the extent that he shall not be awarded death penalty and/or detained in custody for a period more than 25 years if found guilty," the application filed by the agency said.