The Portugese High Court ordered termination of extradition of underworld don Abu Salem for breach of agreement by India for slapping offences, which attract death penalty. The Portugese court said that in view of the new charges against Salem, which entail death penalty, the authorisation granted for his extradition has been terminated.

Salem tried in eight criminal cases including the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts was also charged with MCOCA for allegedly making extortion calls to a Delhi-based businessman. Salem and accomplice Monica Bedi, were extradited to India on November 11, 2005, after a tortuous legal process in Portugal lasting three years.

Official sources said that Government of India is examining the devlopment and will soon approach the Portuguese Supreme Court challenging the High Court's order.