Why Abu Salem's Emergency Parole Request Sparks Controversy in Mumbai Court

Maharashtra Government Responds to Abu Salem's Parole Request

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that Abu Salem, a gangster convicted for his role in the 1993 bomb blasts, is classified as an 'international criminal.' As a result, he is eligible for only a two-day emergency parole, which would require police escort.

Salem had requested a 14-day parole to attend the funeral of his elder brother, who recently passed away.

Public prosecutor Mankhuwar Deshmukh argued against the extended parole, emphasizing Salem's status as an 'international criminal.'

Deshmukh stated, 'The prison authorities have indicated that he can be granted a two-day parole with police escort, the expenses of which will be his responsibility.'

In response, Salem's attorney, Farhana Shah, contended that two days would be insufficient for travel to Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh. She also argued that a police escort was unnecessary, noting that Salem has been incarcerated for over twenty years and is seeking emergency parole as an Indian citizen.

A bench comprising Justices Ajay Gadkari and Shyam Chandak instructed the government to submit an affidavit detailing its concerns regarding the potential granting of a 14-day parole and scheduled the case for further discussion next week.

Salem's plea, submitted in December 2025, was prompted by the death of his elder brother, Abu Hakim Ansari, in November of the previous year. He claimed that the delay in his request was due to the court's Christmas recess.

In his application, Salem indicated that he sought emergency parole on November 15 to participate in his brother's last rites. However, the jail authorities denied his request in a ruling dated November 20, 2025.

Salem highlighted that since his arrest in November 2005, he has remained in prison, receiving only brief parole leaves following the deaths of his mother and stepmother.