New Delhi | January 12, 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday asked gangster Abu Salem to substantiate his claim that he has completed 25 years in prison, a condition which—if legally established—could make him eligible for release. Salem, a key convict in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, argued that he has already served the maximum sentence permitted under India’s extradition agreement with Portugal.

A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta questioned the basis of Salem’s calculation, noting that he was extradited from Portugal and taken into Indian custody on November 11, 2005. “How do you calculate 25 years from 2005?” the court asked, seeking clarity on whether remission benefits were being included in the computation.

Salem’s counsel contended that remission for good conduct should be counted toward the 25-year limit. However, the Bench raised concerns, pointing out that Salem’s conviction also falls under the stringent Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA). The court observed that under Maharashtra prison rules, remission may not apply to TADA convicts and asked the petitioner to place the relevant rules on record within two weeks.

The apex court was hearing Salem’s appeal against a Bombay High Court order passed last year, which held that prima facie the 25-year imprisonment period was yet to be completed. While the High Court admitted Salem’s plea, it declined to grant him interim relief.

Under the extradition terms agreed upon by India and Portugal in 2005, Abu Salem cannot be awarded the death penalty, nor can his imprisonment exceed 25 years. In a 2022 judgment, the Supreme Court had reiterated that India is bound to honour this assurance and release Salem upon completion of the stipulated term.

The matter has now been posted for further hearing on February 9. Notably, apart from the 1993 blasts case, Salem is also serving a life sentence awarded by a special TADA court in 2015 for the 1995 murder of Mumbai-based builder Pradeep Jain.

 Freedom or Further Jail? Supreme Court Puts Abu Salem’s 25-Year Sentence Claim Under the Scanner

The Supreme Court has sought clarification from gangster Abu Salem on his claim that he has already completed 25 years of imprisonment, a limit fixed under India’s extradition agreement with Portugal. The court said Salem must clearly justify how this period has been calculated before any consideration of release.

A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta pointed out that Salem was extradited and taken into Indian custody on November 11, 2005. The judges questioned whether remission benefits were being included in the calculation and asked the defence to explain how the 25-year term was being counted.

The court also highlighted that Salem’s conviction includes offences under the TADA law, under which remission rules may not apply. His counsel was directed to submit relevant Maharashtra prison rules within two weeks to support the plea.

The case relates to Salem’s appeal against a Bombay High Court order that held his 25-year sentence was not yet complete. The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for February 9, while reiterating that India is bound by its assurance to Portugal regarding Salem’s maximum jail term.