Archive · 13 Jan 2026
SC questions Abu Salem's 25-year sentence claim
Abu Salem is a gangster who was convicted for his role in the 1993 Mumbai bombings and the murder of a builder.
He was brought to India from Portugal in 2005.
The Indian government had promised Portugal that Salem would not be in jail for more than 25 years.
Now, Salem says he has already served 25 years, including time off for good behavior, and should be released.
The Supreme Court is checking if this is true.
They asked Salem's lawyers how they calculated the 25 years and if they included the time off for good behavior.
The court also wants to see the prison rules to decide if Salem can get time off for good behavior under the TADA law.
The next hearing is on February 9.
The Supreme Court questioned Abu Salem's calculation of his 25-year sentence, asking how he arrived at the period since his arrest in 2005.
Salem's counsel claimed he had completed his 25-year jail term, including remission for good behavior.
The court asked for the relevant prison rules to be filed within two weeks to determine if Salem is eligible for remission under TADA.
The high court had earlier refused interim relief to Salem, stating that the 25-year period was yet to be completed.
The Supreme Court had previously ruled that the Centre is bound to honor its commitment to Portugal to release Salem after 25 years.
- Who
- Abu Salem, a convicted gangster in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts and murder of Pradeep Jain
- What
- The Supreme Court questioned Abu Salem's calculation of his 25-year sentence
- When
- The hearing took place on January 12, with the next hearing scheduled for February 9
- Where
- The Supreme Court of India
- Why
- To determine if Salem has completed his 25-year sentence as per the assurance given to Portugal for his extradition
- Name
- Abu Salem
- Conviction
- 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, murder of Pradeep Jain
- Extradition Date
- November 11, 2005
- Assurance to Portugal
- No death penalty or imprisonment beyond 25 years
- Current Status
- Awaiting Supreme Court decision on sentence calculation
- Next Hearing Date
- February 9
Sources
How do you calculate 25 years from 2005: SC asks gangster Abu Salem
SC asks gangster Abu Salem to justify claim of having spent 25 years in jail
Top Court Asks Abu Salem To Justify Claim Of Having Spent 25 Years In Jail
Mumbai Serial Blasts Convict Abu Salem Asked By Supreme Court To Substantiate 25-Year Jail Claim
