Murder case against Salem: Apex court paves way for verdict

NEW DELHI - The Supreme Court Tuesday cleared the decks for the pronouncement of verdict by the designated Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court in the murder of Juhu-based builder Pradeep Jain in which don Abu Salem is the prime accused.

An apex court bench of Justice P. Sathasivam and Justice R.M. Lodha upheld the Maharashtra governments plea that Salem could not cross-examine the accused-turned-approver Riyaz Ahmed Siddiqui, who was subsequently discarded by the prosecution.

Approver Siddiqui was discarded as witness as evidence tendered by him was not aiding the prosecution case and the plea for his pardon too was withdrawn.