The Supreme Court on Thursday was informed that the execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, convicted of murdering her Yemeni business partner in 2017, has been temporarily stayed, and no adverse action has taken place so far.
During the hearing of a plea seeking directions for the Union Government to use diplomatic channels to secure Priya’s release, Attorney General R. Venkataramani told a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta that a new mediator has stepped into the matter. “The only good thing is that nothing adverse has happened,” he added.
The counsel appearing for the petitioner organisation ‘Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council’, which is extending legal support to Priya, confirmed that her execution has been stayed. The bench indicated that the matter may be adjourned, saying, “List in January 2026. It will be open for the parties to apply for early listing in case the situation demands.”
Priya, hailing from Palakkad in Kerala, was convicted in 2017, sentenced to death in 2020, and had her final appeal rejected in 2023. She is currently imprisoned in Sana’a, Yemen.
The petitioner’s counsel informed the Court that under Sharia law, payment of blood money to the victim’s family could be explored, which might lead to Priya’s pardon. It was also noted that Priya’s mother is in Yemen to negotiate with the victim’s family, after receiving permission from the Delhi High Court to travel there.
According to NDTV, the Union Government has been engaging with Yemeni authorities and friendly nations to reach a mutually agreeable solution. Earlier updates to the Supreme Court indicated that there was no immediate threat to Priya’s life, and the government has assured it is doing everything possible to ensure her safety.
(Source: NDTV)
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