What Can the Government Do to Save Nimisha Priya from Execution in Yemen?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court hears the Centre's statements on the dire situation of Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse facing execution in Yemen. The government expresses its limitations amidst diplomatic challenges while efforts to negotiate her release continue.
Key Takeaways
- The Indian government faces challenges in intervening due to Yemen's political status.
- Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to prevent the execution of Nimisha Priya.
- Sharia law may allow for negotiation through blood money.
- Family members are actively seeking justice and intervention.
- Public awareness is crucial in international cases like this.
New Delhi, July 14 (NationPress) The Centre informed the Supreme Court on Monday that “there is little the government can do” to prevent the execution of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen.
During proceedings before a Bench led by Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, Attorney General R. Venkataramani stated, “There is little the government can do! Given Yemen's sensitive situation, the country lacks diplomatic recognition. We have reached the limit of what the Government of India can achieve.”
The Attorney General emphasized that the Union government aims to avoid complicating matters by going public and is exerting “utmost possible efforts” to save the Indian citizen from the death penalty.
He mentioned that a request was sent to Yemeni authorities to halt the execution, but it has not yielded positive results.
“We received informal communication that the execution might be postponed, but we are uncertain if this will come to fruition,” AG Venkataramani remarked.
The Bench, led by Justice Nath, was addressing a petition from the 'Save Nimisha Priya Action Council' urging the Union Ministry of External Affairs to utilize diplomatic channels to prevent Nimisha Priya’s execution.
The petition cited Sharia law, indicating that the death penalty could potentially be negotiated through the payment of 'diya (blood money)' to the victim's family.
Nimisha Priya, an Indian national, has been sentenced to death for the murder of Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mehd and has been incarcerated for the past three years. Reports suggest that she may face execution on Wednesday, following approval from Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi.
The Supreme Court, unable to issue an order to stop the execution in a foreign nation, has scheduled the next hearing for July 18, asking the Centre to provide a fresh status report on that date.
In the meantime, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “intervene with the relevant authorities” to save Nimisha Priya’s life.
Priya's mother, Prema Kumari (57), has been actively campaigning for a waiver of the death penalty. She has traveled to Sanaa to negotiate blood money with the victim's family. Her efforts have garnered support from the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, a group of NRI social workers based in Yemen.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the complexities of international law and diplomatic relations. The government appears to be taking all possible steps to address this crisis while balancing the risks involved. This situation underscores the inherent challenges faced by the Indian government in safeguarding its citizens abroad.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Nimisha Priya's case?
Nimisha Priya is currently facing execution in Yemen, and the Indian government has stated that there is little it can do to intervene.
Why is the Indian government limited in its actions?
Yemen's sensitive political situation and lack of diplomatic recognition restrict the Indian government’s ability to intervene effectively.
What efforts are being made to save Nimisha Priya?
The Indian government is making 'utmost possible efforts' to negotiate her release, including requests for a suspension of the execution.
What role does Sharia law play in this case?
Sharia law allows for the possibility of negotiating the death penalty through the payment of 'diya (blood money)' to the victim's family.
What has been the response from state officials?
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and support efforts to save Nimisha Priya.
