MUMBAI: Bombay high court on Wednesday dismissed Abu Salem’s petition for his release on remission on the grounds that he completed 25 years with remission. The HC said his plea was “premature”, citing a 2022 Supreme Court order that, while saying his term would be 25 years, had noted the term ends in 2030.Earlier in Feb, the Supreme Court refused to entertain Salem’s plea that claimed that he was in “illegal custody” for over 10 months as he had already undergone the 25-year sentence awarded to him in the March 12, 1993, Mumbai serial bomb blasts case.Salem was extradited from Portugal on Nov 11, 2005, after a prolonged legal battle.According to the extradition terms agreed upon by India and Portugal, Salem cannot be given death penalty and his prison term cannot exceed 25 years.
Salem’s plea before the SC challenged a July 2025 order of the Bombay High Court, which said prima facie it appeared that the period of 25 years was yet to be completed.Referring to the Maharashtra Prisons (Remission System) Rules, 1962, Salem, however, pleaded that the 25 years were gone. The SC asked Salem to argue his case before the HC where he sought release, claiming that if the remission for good behaviour was factored, the 25-year term was served.
The High Court had earlier admitted his petition but refused any interim relief.The top court had in February observed that as per the prison authorities’ affidavit Salem had undergone 19 years following his conviction under the TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act).Salem then withdrew his plea before the SC with liberty to approach the High Court for early disposal.On Wednesday, after hearing Salem’s counsel Farhana Shah, State prosecutor MM Deshmukh and CBI counsel Kuldeep Patil, who opposed the plea, the HC dismissed the petition.
