The case is linked to one of the country’s most devastating terror attacks. On March 12, 1993, a series of bomb blasts took place in 12 different locations across Mumbai. The explosions killed 257 people and left around 800 others injured.
The investigation found that the blasts were carried out with the motive of avenging the demolition of the Babri Masjid. Abu Salem was considered a key figure in the conspiracy. The investigation established that he was involved in planning the attacks and had transported weapons and explosives from Bharuch in Gujarat to Mumbai. He was also convicted of murder.
On the basis of these charges, a special TADA court sentenced him to 25 years in prison.
Salem had earlier argued before the court that, under the extradition agreement with Portugal, he could not be kept in prison for more than 25 years. However, courts have rejected this argument several times.
The Bombay High Court had also dismissed a similar plea filed by Salem. The High Court held that remission in his sentence could be calculated only one month before the scheduled date of his release. Therefore, it could not be concluded at this stage that his sentence had already been completed.
The Supreme Court’s latest decision continues the same position and makes it clear that Abu Salem’s early release is not possible at present.
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