New Delhi, February 17
Observing that the order of the Portugal court terminating the extradition of Abu Salem to India has to be respected, the Supreme Court today stayed the TADA proceedings in two cases against the alleged gangster.

A Bench headed by Justice P Sathasivam, however, refused to stay proceedings in other five cases and issued notices to the CBI and the Centre on Salem's plea to quash all criminal cases against him.

The Bench asked the CBI and the Ministry of External Affairs to file their replies within four weeks and also asked Attorney General GE Vahanwati to assist it in deciding Salem's plea.

Out of the two TADA cases, one is related to 1993 Mumbai serial blasts. — TNS