New Delhi, May 09: Underworld don and main accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts Abu Salem has petitioned the Poruguese Supreme Court against his extradition order. His petition came before the Supreme Court earlier this week when the apex court was in the process of hearing his girl friend Monica Bedi's petition who challenged her extradition to India after the Portuguese government refused her asylum plea.

CBI sources said the agency was now preparing to counter the review petition filed by the underworld don, whose extradition to India in crimes not attracting life or death sentence, was ordered by the Portuguese High Court.

In his review petition, Salem contended that he would be discriminated against by the government as he belonged to the minority community.

CBI sources said this charge would be countered by the agency which will hand over copies of judgements given out by various courts in the country in support of its contention that the Indian judiciary was impartial.
The Supreme Court, while hearing a review petition of Monica, has directed the high court to give reasoned order as to why she was being extradited.

High court ordered extradition of Monica, small time Bollywood actress, in December last year.

Bureau Report