LK Advani’s assurance, India’s prestige helped Abu Salem escape the gallows

1993 BLASTS VERDICT Judge gave utmost importance to India’s promise to Portugal SC

It would not be wrong to say that extradited gangster Abu Salem escaped the gallows only because of the ‘assurance’ given by the then deputy Prime Minister, L. K. Advani, to the Republic of Portugal. It is on this assurance and the ‘pride and prestige’ of India, the special TADA court handed a life sentence to Salem, despite the fact that he was convicted for offences that attracted death penalty.

Special Judge, Justice Govind Sanap while sentencing Salem gave utmost importance to the ‘Solemn Sovereign Assurance’ given by India to the Supreme Court of Justice, Portugal.

While sentencing Salem, Justice Sanap said, “I must mention that this is a very prominent and ticklish issue and as such the decision on this warrants a cautious, careful and balanced exercise. In view of this, the pride and prestige of our country is involved.”

“While taking a decision on this issue, proper appreciation of the Indian laws is required so that at the international level, not a slightest dent is caused to the image of our country. It shall not affect and erode our image in the eyes of international community while considering the request made for extradition in future. It is pertinent to note that if any decision is taken contrary to the spirit of the assurance, in that event, serious repercussions would follow,” Justice Sanap has said.

The special judge has also noted that in the ‘assurance’

Advani has given a ‘plain and simple’ assurance that in Salem’s case, death would be out of question. The judge has however said that this assurance would not obstruct any Indian court from exercising its jurisdiction.