New Delhi, Feb 17 (IANS): In a relief to Abu Salem, the Supreme Court has stayed all further proceedings in the two cases before the Mumbai TADA court in connection with his alleged involvement in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.

An apex court bench headed by Justice P. Sathasivam while issuing a notice to the central government and the external affairs ministry observed that it involved the larger question of whether the executive decisions by the government would affect the judicial decisions of the courts in Portugal.

Inquiring what undertaking was given by the Indian government to the Portuguese courts when Abu Salem was extradited, Justice Sathasivam said: "We have to respect the mandate of the court of appeal and the Supreme Court of Justice of Portugal."

The Portuguese courts, while permitting the extradition of Abu Salem, had said that he should not be awarded death sentence or imprisoned for more than 25 years.

The court also issued notice seeking assistance from attorney general G. Vahanwati.

The court order followed a petition by Abu Salem seeking a stay on all criminal cases against him currently going on in India.