1993 Mumbai Blasts: SC Reserves Order on Abu Salem's Premature Release Plea
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Supreme Court has reserved its order on Abu Salem's plea for premature release after 25 years in jail. The case involves critical issues of extradition conditions and calculation of imprisonment period.
Background
Abu Salem was extradited from Portugal to India in 2005 on the condition that he would not be given the death penalty or a sentence exceeding 25 years. He was convicted in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case and is serving a life sentence.
Key facts
Supreme Court reserved order on Abu Salem's plea for premature release.
Salem argues he has completed 25 years in prison as per extradition terms.
He claims jail authorities are not giving him set-off for undertrial period despite TADA court direction.
Salem calculates custody: ~11 years 10 months undertrial, ~10 years convict, >3 years remission.
Bombay High Court listed his plea after special TADA court rejected his request.
CBI says Salem must pay Rs 16.51 lakh fine before expiry of 25-year period.
Failure to pay by October 12, 2030 would trigger alternative default sentences.
Prelims pointers
- 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case
- TADA court
- Extradition treaty with Portugal
- Supreme Court of India
- Bombay High Court
- Life sentence
- Remission
- Set-off for undertrial period
Mains angles
- Extradition conditions and their impact on sentencing in India
- Calculation of imprisonment period: undertrial, convict, and remission
- Role of judiciary in interpreting extradition agreements
- Terrorism-related convictions and parole/premature release policies