New Delhi,January 17:In a setback for India, gangster and 1993 Mumbai serial blasts accused Abu Salem may have to go back to Portugal.
The Portugal Supreme Court has rejected India’s appeal against a Lisbon lower court order cancelling his extradition to India.
Salem has moved TADA court seeking closure of the trial against him in 1993 Mumbai blasts, says continuing trial will be illegal.
TADA court in Mumbai will hear Salem’s plea on Wednesday.
In September 2011, the Portugal High Court had terminated the extradition of Salem to India. India had challenged the verdict in Portugal Supreme Court.
Salem has filed an application to halt all trials against him in India and this verdict could lead to cancellation of Salem’s extradition to India.
But the CBI says that this is not a setback. The investigative agency does have the option of filing an appeal before the Constitutional Court in Portugal.
CBI spokesperson said that there are no repercussions expected on Salem’s trial in India.
Salem was extradited from Portugal to India in 2005 as accused in several cases including the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.