Will the SC intervene to save Kerala nurse from execution in Yemen?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing on a plea to save Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya from execution in Yemen for eight weeks. Ongoing negotiations with the victim's family could influence the final outcome.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court has put the hearing on Nimisha Priya's case on hold for eight weeks.
- Negotiations are currently underway to potentially save her from execution.
- Nimisha Priya was convicted of murder in Yemen after a dispute with a business partner.
- Her family is actively involved in seeking her release through negotiation.
- The Indian government is being called upon to intervene in the case.
New Delhi, Aug 14 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has postponed for eight weeks the consideration of a plea urging the Union government to intervene for the rescue of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya from execution in Yemen. A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta decided to defer the hearing on a writ petition submitted by the 'Save Nimisha Priya Action Council' after receiving information that discussions with the victim’s family were actively taking place, allowing the option to bring up the matter in case of any urgent developments.
It is important to note that the execution of Indian national Nimisha Priya, which was initially set for July 16, has been temporarily suspended. She was condemned to death in Yemen for the murder of Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mehdi and remains incarcerated there.
During a previous hearing, the Justice Vikram Nath-led Bench instructed the Centre to evaluate a request for permission to travel to Yemen to negotiate a pardon for the Indian citizen from the victim's family.
The Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had previously denied the petitioner's request for travel clearance to the conflict-ridden nation, citing significant security hazards in Yemen.
Within the framework of Yemen’s Islamic legal system, a death sentence can be negotiated through the payment of ‘diya (blood money)’ to the victim's family.
Nimisha Priya, a nurse hailing from Kollengode in Kerala's Palakkad district, moved to Yemen in 2008 to support her daily-wage laborer parents.
She had worked in multiple hospitals and later decided to establish her own clinic. In 2017, a conflict arose between her and her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mehdi, after she allegedly opposed his attempts to misappropriate funds.
According to her family, Nimisha reportedly injected Mehdi with sedatives to retrieve her confiscated passport; tragically, an overdose resulted in his death. She was apprehended while attempting to escape the country and was convicted of murder in 2018.
In 2020, a trial court in Sanaa sentenced her to death, and Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council affirmed the verdict in November 2023, although it left the option of blood money open.
The mother of Nimisha Priya, Prema Kumari (57), has been tirelessly advocating for the waiver of the death penalty. She has even traveled to Sanaa to negotiate the payment of blood money to the victim's family. Her efforts have been bolstered by the ‘Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council’, a collective of NRI social workers based in Yemen.
Point of View
I believe in the importance of protecting our citizens abroad. The case of Nimisha Priya is a stark reminder of the complexities involved in legal matters in foreign lands. While we must respect local laws, the Indian government has a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens, advocating for justice and mercy where applicable.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Nimisha Priya's case?
The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing for eight weeks while negotiations with the victim's family are ongoing.
What led to Nimisha Priya's conviction?
Nimisha Priya was convicted of murder after an incident involving her Yemeni business partner led to his death due to an overdose of sedatives.
What is the role of the Indian government in this case?
The Indian government is being urged to intervene for Nimisha Priya’s rescue and to negotiate a potential pardon with the victim's family.
How does Yemen’s legal system handle death sentences?
In Yemen, a death sentence can often be negotiated through the payment of 'diya (blood money)' to the victim's family.
Who is advocating for Nimisha Priya's case?
Nimisha Priya's mother, Prema Kumari, along with the 'Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council', is actively campaigning for her release.
