SC stays TADA proceedings against Abu Salem

NEW DELHI: Observing that the order of Portugal court terminating the extradition of Abu Salem to India has to be respected, the Supreme Court today stayed the TADA proceedings in two cases against the alleged gangster.

A bench headed by Justice P Sathasivam, however, refused to stay proceedings in other five cases and issued notices to the CBI and the Centre on Salem's plea to quash all criminal cases against him.

The bench asked the CBI and the Ministry of External Affairs to file their replies within four weeks and also asked Attorney General G E Vahanwati to assist it in deciding Salem's plea.

Out of two TADA cases, one is related to 1993 Mumbai serial balsts.

"We have to respect the order of court of appeal and the Supreme Court of Justice of Portugal," the bench observed.

It said that there was an important question involved on whether an executive decision could affect judicial proceedings.

"The matters require consideration of the court and we will admit your plea," the bench said while issuing notices.