'93 blasts convict moves hc to reduce prison term

A convict in the 1993 serial blasts has moved the Bombay high court, challenging the 60-year imprisonment imposed on him by the state.

A convict in the 1993 serial blasts has moved the Bombay high court, challenging the 60-year imprisonment imposed on him by the state.

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The convict, Salim Mira Shaikh, alias Salim Kutta, stated that the state home department grossly erred in holding that the 1992 guidelines for premature release cannot be applied to him.

Shaikh's lawyer, Sharon Patole said in the petition that the state had overlooked the provisions of the 1992 guidelines, which provide for a minimum of 14 years of imprisonment, including set-off period which can go up to 30 years. The petition said Shaikh had completed 14 years of imprisonment, including remissions in 2008.

Shaikh had moved HC in 2009, seeking premature release. The court had asked the state to decide on the convict's application.

However, the government directed the inspector general of prisons to release Shaikh only after completion of 50 years of actual imprisonment, or till he reaches the age of 65. This was later increased to 60 years, without remissions.

Shaikh then withdrew his petition with liberty to file a fresh one to challenge the government's order. The case will come up for hearing on October 20, Patole said.

A special TADA court in June 2007 had sentenced Shaikh to two concurrent life sentences for his role in the 1993 serial blasts case. Shaikh was convicted for being present at Tiger Memon's residence when the RDX was filled in vehicles used in the serial blasts, on March 12, 1993.