Plea In Supreme Court To Halt Execution Of Malayali Nurse Nimisha Priya In Yemen, Seeks Diplomatic Negotiations By Indian Govt
The Court asked the Union to inform it on July 14 the steps taken by it in the case so far.;
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court to stall the execution of Keralite nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen, which is scheduled for July 16.
Senior Advocate Ragenth Basant mentioned the matter before a partial working days bench of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, seeking urgent listing. Basant, assisted by Advocate K Subhash Chandran, submitted that as per Shariat law, a person can be released if the relatives of the victims agree to accept "blood money" and negotiations can be held to explore that option.
The petitioner, an organisation named "Save Nimisha Priya Action Council", seeks directions to the Union Government to secure her release from Yemen through diplomatic channels.
When Justice Dhulia asked why the person was sentenced to death, Basant replied, "I am an Indian citizen from Kerala. Went there for employment as a nurse. Local person started torturing me...and he was killed."
The bench agreed to list the matter on July 14. Basant then pointed out that since the execution is due to take place on July 16, leaving just two days for diplomatic negotiations may not be effective. He requested for a listing either today or tomorrow. "Kindly list today or tomorrow because 16th is the date of execution. Even for diplomatic channel, time is required," he urged.
Taking note of the submissions, the bench allowed the petitioner to serve advance copy of the petition to the Attorney General.
"Considering the nature and urgency of the case, we request the Union of India/Central Government to apprise this Court through the learned Attorney General of India as to the steps taken in the case by the Government of India, if any," the bench observed in the order.
Nimisha Priya was sentenced to death for the murder of Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi in the year 2017. Nimisha allegedly injected him with sedatives to retrieve her passport that was in his possession. Nimisha had allegedly faced abuse and torture from him.
Earlier, the mother of Nimisha Priya had approached the Delhi High Court seeking permission to travel to Yemen to make efforts for her release. Responding to that petition, the Central Government informed the High Court in November 2023 that the Supreme Court of Yemen had dismissed her appeal. Taking note of that development, the High Court directed the Central Government to take a decision on the mother's representation. The mother had sought permission to travel to Yemen despite the travel ban for Indian nationals to travel there.
Case : Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council v Union of India | WP(c) 36542/2025