The Supreme Court was informed by the Attorney General for India that the Government has exhausted all possible diplomatic efforts in the case of Keralite nurse Nimisha Priya, who faces execution in Yemen. The bench, comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta, heard a plea seeking intervention to halt Priya’s scheduled execution on July 16. Notably, the Court was told that despite private-level negotiations ongoing for 'blood money' under Shariat law, India’s capacity to act further remains constrained due to the diplomatic status of Yemen.
Nimisha Priya, a 36-year-old Indian nurse from Kerala, has been sentenced to death by Yemeni authorities for the alleged murder of a Yemeni national, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2017. Reports suggest that Priya, who had moved to Yemen for work, was subjected to mental and physical abuse and had her passport seized by Mahdi, who had allegedly forged documents to show she was his wife. In an attempt to retrieve her documents, she administered a sedative to Mahdi, resulting in his death due to overdose.
Following her conviction in 2018, an appeal was made, but Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council reaffirmed the death sentence in 2023. The President of Yemen subsequently signed off on the capital punishment.
The petition in the Supreme Court was filed by the “Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council”, an organization formed by her family and supporters. The petitioner sought urgent directions to the Union Government to initiate diplomatic efforts aimed at securing her release through payment of ‘blood money’, an option recognized under Shariat law.
Appearing for the Union Government, Attorney General R. Venkataramani emphasized the delicate nature of India-Yemen relations. He stated that Yemen is not diplomatically recognized by India in the same way as other nations, which significantly limits formal negotiations.
The Attorney General remarked, “There’s a point till which the Government of India can go. We have reached that.” He explained that while the government is extending all possible efforts through private channels, public or direct diplomatic engagement may further complicate the situation due to the geopolitical sensitivity surrounding Yemen.
He further clarified, “Blood money is a private arrangement under Shariat law. It cannot be negotiated through governmental intervention beyond a point. We’re trying to assist in ways that do not escalate the matter publicly.”
Recognizing the gravity and emotional weight of the case, Justice Mehta called the matter “sensitive” and “sad.” However, he pointed out the judicial limitation of Indian courts in intervening in the affairs of a sovereign foreign country.
When the petitioner urged the Court to issue directions to prevent the execution, the bench observed, “How can we pass that order? Who is going to follow?”
In light of the submissions and diplomatic nuances, the Court adjourned the matter, directing the Union Government to file a fresh status report regarding any further developments. According to the petitioner-organization, negotiations with the victim’s family are underway to secure a pardon by offering blood money, amounting to approximately USD 1 million (₹8.6 crore).
Political support has also been mobilized. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging intervention, describing the case as deserving “compassion and humanitarian consideration.” A similar appeal was also made earlier to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
In 2023, Nimisha Priya’s mother had approached the Delhi High Court, seeking permission to travel to Yemen despite restrictions imposed by the Indian government on travel to the region. The Central Government informed the Court that her daughter’s appeal had been rejected by Yemen’s Supreme Court. The High Court, while acknowledging the limitations, directed the government to consider her representation sympathetically.
With only days left before the scheduled execution, the Supreme Court has adjourned the matter till Friday, allowing the government to present any new updates. While diplomatic avenues appear limited, the fate of Nimisha Priya may now hinge entirely on the outcome of private negotiations governed by Shariat law.
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