The Supreme Court of India heard an urgent plea on July 14, 2025, regarding the impending execution of Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old Indian nurse from Kerala, sentenced to death in Yemen for a 2017 murder case. The Central Government, represented by Attorney General R. Venkataramani, informed the apex court that blood money remains the only possible recourse to prevent her execution, scheduled for July 16, 2025.

Centre’s Limited Diplomatic Reach in Yemen

Highlighting the complexity of the situation, the Attorney General (AG) stated,

“There’s nothing much the government can do. Looking at the sensitivity of Yemen, it’s not diplomatically recognised. Blood money is a private negotiation.”

Yemen, being diplomatically isolated, presents a unique challenge for Indian intervention. India has no formal diplomatic ties with the Yemeni government, significantly restricting the Centre’s ability to influence legal or executive decisions in the country.

The AG emphasised that the Indian government has reached the limits of what is diplomatically and legally possible, and any further intervention would hinge on private negotiation between the convict’s family and the deceased’s family under Sharia law, which permits the acceptance of blood money (diya) to pardon a death sentence.

Supreme Court Hearing and Observations

The Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Sandeep Mehta, acknowledged the sensitive and humanitarian nature of the matter. The next hearing is scheduled for July 18, 2025, giving the parties a few more days to report any progress.

Justice Mehta said:

“This is a sensitive issue. If she loses her life, it will be very unfortunate.”

During the hearing, the petitioner’s senior counsel pointed out that Nimisha Priya’s mother is currently in Yemen, although she is working as a domestic worker. The counsel urged the government to facilitate communication with the deceased’s family, stating:

“We are requesting the Centre to talk to the victim’s family. The arrangement of funds depends on us. Today, the only possible way to avoid the death penalty is to convince the family.”

Justice Mehta, however, questioned the judicial reach of the court in this diplomatic context, asking what exactly could be done from a legal standpoint in India.

AG's Statement: All Efforts Are Being Made

The AG told the Court that the Indian Embassy officials have visited the prison along with Nimisha’s mother and confirmed that discussions with Yemeni prosecutors are ongoing.

“It may be a question of more money. We do not know. It seems there is a kind of deadlock. The government is trying its best.”

He also reiterated that talks were being held with the Yemeni public prosecutor handling the case and efforts were being made to secure a delay in the execution order to allow time for a blood money settlement.

Kerala CM's Appeal to Prime Minister Modi

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has formally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging urgent diplomatic intervention to save Nimisha Priya. His letter highlighted the sympathetic and humanitarian nature of the case.

“Considering the fact that this is a case deserving sympathy, I appeal to the Hon’ble Prime Minister to intervene with the authorities concerned to save the life of Nimisha Priya,” CM Vijayan wrote.

He also referenced an earlier communication to the Union Minister of External Affairs dated March 24, 2025, requesting proactive engagement.

Background: The Case and Legal Journey

Nimisha Priya was convicted of murdering her Yemeni employer, allegedly in retaliation for mistreatment and abuse. According to available reports, she injected sedatives to help escape the country but the situation tragically resulted in the death of the Yemeni national.

The Yemeni trial court convicted her, and the country’s Supreme Judicial Council upheld the decision in November 2023, making the death penalty final unless a pardon is granted via blood money settlement.

What is Blood Money?

Under Islamic law, “diya” or blood money is a financial compensation paid to the victim's family in return for forgiveness or withdrawal of capital punishment. It’s a private arrangement, often involving community leaders or legal mediators. In the absence of formal diplomatic relations, this remains the only viable channel left to save Nimisha Priya.

The Supreme Court acknowledged this reality, with Justice Mehta stating that the petitioner is not asking for court mandates but merely seeking support to facilitate dialogue.

Public Response and Support

The case has gained widespread attention, especially in Kerala, with multiple civil society organisations, human rights groups, and expatriate communities calling for:

• Fundraising for the blood money

• Diplomatic intervention through back channels

• Legal and psychological aid to Nimisha Priya in Yemen

An online campaign titled “Save Nimisha Priya” has reportedly raised partial funds, but a final agreement with the victim’s family remains elusive.

What Happens Next?

With the execution scheduled for July 16, time is critically short. The Supreme Court has deferred the matter to July 18, hoping a temporary suspension or breakthrough in talks may occur.

The Government of India maintains that while formal diplomatic steps are limited, it is exploring all humanitarian and consular avenues through non-state actors, including local intermediaries and international humanitarian organisations.

The final outcome will depend on whether:

• The victim’s family agrees to accept blood money

• A mediated settlement can be reached in time

• Yemeni authorities suspend the execution temporarily to allow negotiations

Summary

The Nimisha Priya case has reached a critical juncture, with the Supreme Court of India acknowledging that a blood money settlement is the only hope to save the Kerala nurse from execution in Yemen on July 16, 2025. The Centre maintains that diplomatic levers are limited, given the non-recognition of Yemen, but insists that efforts continue through all possible channels. The next hearing on July 18 will likely determine whether the intervention was successful or too late.

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