Salem’s Release Plea Rejected: High Court Rejects 25-Year Claim
The Bombay High Court on Monday dashed the hopes of Abu Salem, the 1993 Mumbai blasts convict, for an early release from prison. The court ruled that Salem has not yet completed 25 years of imprisonment, directly contradicting his claim of eligibility for release.
Salem’s plea hinged on his argument that he had served 25 years, factoring in remission for good behaviour, as stipulated in his extradition agreement with Portugal.
However, the High Court, citing his arrest in November 2005, determined that his actual prison term is significantly shorter than the 25 years claimed.
This decision carries significant implications for other convicts seeking early release based on similar arguments. The judgement sets a crucial precedent, clarifying the calculation of prison terms including remission and extradition agreements. The legal battle surrounding Salem’s imprisonment highlights the complexities of applying remission rules to cases involving international extradition.