The Hindu : New Delhi News : Delhi Government moves court to revoke MCOCA against Abu Salem

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Delhi Government moves court to revoke MCOCA against Abu Salem

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Government on Friday moved a city court seeking revocation of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) that has been invoked against alleged underworld don Abu Salem.

Extradition treaty

Appearing for the Government before Additional Sessions Judge Ravinder Kaur, Additional Solicitor-General Vikas Singh said invoking MCOCA was not in accordance with the provisions of the extradition treaty between Portugal and India on the basis of which Salem was brought here in November 2005.

However, the court asked counsel to submit a detailed report on why invoking MCOCA was against the treaty and also on the provisions of the treaty on March 24.

Earlier, Mr. Singh informed the court that Salem’s counsel had approached the Portuguese Supreme Court alleging breach of international commitment on the part of the Indian Government by prosecuting Salem under MCOCA, which had not been invoked against him before his extradition.

The Delhi Government in its application sought withdrawal of the provisions of MCOCA invoked against Salem in a supplementary charge sheet. It said the Portuguese Embassy had informed it that the MCOCA charges were not included in the extradition order against Salem.

Extortion

Salem is facing MCOCA charges in connection with an extortion call made to Delhi-based businessman Ashok Gupta in 2002, demanding protection money.

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