As of May 8, 2025, the Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court that it is actively considering the premature release of gangster Abu Salem. Salem, who was extradited from Portugal in 2005, has served approximately 19 years in prison. He contends that, including remissions for good behavior, he has effectively completed a 25-year sentence, as per the assurances given during his extradition. The state government has stated that a decision on his release will be made soon .

In contrast, the central government maintains that Salem’s 25-year term will conclude only in November 2030. They argue that the commitment to limit his imprisonment to 25 years applies only when the sentence nears completion. The Centre has urged the court to dismiss Salem’s plea, stating that the government will act in accordance with the extradition assurance at the appropriate time .

The Bombay High Court has scheduled the next hearing for June 2025 to further deliberate on the matter.

Sources