The court said it would deliver its verdict in the matter on November 16 after reply of the prosecution. Opposing the defence plea, the prosecution said there is a Supreme Court ruling which does not allow the defence lawyer to be present during the interrogation of the accused.

Judge P D Kode asked the prosecution to file its reply on the plea and submit a copy of the Apex Court order in the court after which it would deliver its order. Salem's lawyer O A Siddiqui had pleaded before the TADA court saying he be allowed to remain present at an 'audible distance' during the interrogation.

After his extradition, Salem was sent to CBI custody by the TADA court to allow the investigating agency to probe his alleged role in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blast case. Salem being the first big gangster and a prime accused in the blast case to be extradited, the CBI is hopeful of churning out useful information and evidences through his interrogation.

Meanwhile, Salem's lawyer filed another application on Monday before the same court seeking medical check up of his client as they feared that Salem might have been beaten up for giving the reported statement admitting his role in the 1993 bomb blast case. The application would come up for hearing on November 16.

Abu Salem's extradition: Complete coverage