New Delhi, Jul 18: The Supreme Court was informed on Friday that the execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen has been postponed, offering a temporary relief in a high-profile international case. Priya, a 38-year-old nurse from Kerala’s Palakkad district, is on death row in Yemen for the 2017 murder of her Yemeni business partner.
Appearing before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, Attorney General R Venkataramani confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway and the Indian government is doing everything possible to bring her back safely. “They are taking good care of whatever is possible,” the bench observed, acknowledging the government’s ongoing engagement.
The execution, originally scheduled for July 16, has been stayed while diplomatic and legal measures are explored. The counsel for the petitioner highlighted that a pardon must be secured first, followed by a possible arrangement for “blood money” as per Yemeni law.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for August 14, maintaining close oversight of the developments. The plea before the court seeks an official directive to the Centre to intensify its diplomatic efforts to save Priya’s life.
Priya was sentenced to death in 2020 after being convicted of murder, and her final legal appeal was rejected in 2023. She remains in custody at a prison in Sana’a, the capital of war-torn Yemen.
The case has drawn national and international attention, with human rights activists and civil society groups urging the Indian government to intervene decisively. The pause in execution provides a critical window for negotiations and potential diplomatic resolution.
Execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen stayed: SC told
