CBI moves SC, seeks to drop certain charges against Abu Salem

The CBI today moved the Supreme Court seeking its permission to drop certain charges against gangster Abu Salem under TADA and Explosive Substances Act in view of its commitment to Portuguese government at the time of his extradition that he shall not be awarded death penalty or detained in custody for more than 25 years if found guilty.
Appearing before a bench headed by Justice Aftab Alam, Attorney General G E Vahanwati said the government is committed to its assurance given to the Portuguese court and government and sought the apex court's permission to drop the additional charges framed against Salem by the trail court.

"The applicant (CBI) reiterates its commitment which was given to the Portugal government/court when Salem was extradited to India to the extent that he shall not be awarded death penalty and/or detained in custody for a period more than 25 years if found guilty," the application filed by the agency said.
"As a matter of fact, charges framed by trial court have been termed as additional charges by the Portuguese courts because of which the Portuguese courts have come to the conclusion that there has been a violation of rule of Speciality. More so, the technicality on which the appellant has raised various objections/litigations/representations in India as well as in Portugal...," the agency said.