In Abu Salem Case, Pinnacle court Says Centre guaranteed to Release Gangster

Salem had said his sentence couldn't exceed 25 years as per a solemn assurance given by India to Portugal for his extradition in 2002.

The Supreme Court on Monday said the Centre is absolute to honour its commitment given to Portugal and release gangster Abu Salem on completion of his 25-year sentence within the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.

Salem had said his sentence couldn't exceed 25 years as per a solemn assurance given by India to Portugal for his extradition in 2002.

A bench of Justices SK Kaul and MM Sundresh said the Central government is sure to advise the President of India for exercise of power under Article 72 of the Constitution and therefore the national commitment on completion of his sentence.

The Supreme Court on Monday said the Centre is guaranteed to honour its commitment given to Portugal and release gangster Abu Salem on completion of his 25-year sentence within the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.

Salem had said his sentence couldn't exceed 25 years as per a solemn assurance given by India to Portugal for his extradition in 2002.

A bench of Justices SK Kaul and MM Sundresh said the Central government is sure to advise the President of India for exercise of power under Article 72 of the Constitution and also the national commitment on completion of his sentence.

Salem, also a convict within the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, was extradited from Portugal on November 11, 2005, after a protracted legal battle.