New Delhi, July 10, 2025 —
In a desperate bid to save a life from the gallows, the Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a petition seeking immediate diplomatic intervention to halt the execution of Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala who is facing capital punishment in Yemen. The execution is reportedly scheduled for July 16, leaving barely a week for any meaningful action.
The petition, filed by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, urges the Court to direct the Government of India to initiate high-level diplomatic negotiations with Yemeni authorities and help facilitate a “blood money” (diyah) settlement under Yemeni law — currently the only viable path to clemency.
‘Right to Life Does Not End at the Border’
The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, argues that Nimisha Priya’s fundamental right to life must be protected, even abroad. It highlights severe procedural lapses during her trial in Yemen, including lack of legal representation, language barriers, and limited consular support. The petitioner contends that these conditions fall far short of fair trial standards recognized under international human rights law.
Appearing for the petitioners, advocate Ragenth Basant submitted that immediate diplomatic outreach is essential, as “every hour counts.” The plea was urgently mentioned before a bench led by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, which agreed to list the matter for detailed hearing on July 14 — just two days before the planned execution.
Background: A Case With Global Attention
Nimisha Priya, a trained nurse from Kerala, was convicted in 2017 for the murder of her Yemeni employer. Reports claim she had endured prolonged abuse and harassment and acted in desperation after being allegedly confined and tortured. She was accused of injecting him with sedatives, leading to his death, and later attempting to conceal the incident.
Her conviction was upheld by Yemeni appellate courts in 2020. The final legal hurdle was cleared in 2023 when Yemen’s top court rejected her appeal. Since then, rights groups and family members have been appealing to the Indian government to intervene diplomatically, citing humanitarian concerns and procedural deficiencies.
The petition does not question the Yemeni legal system but requests that the Indian government use diplomatic channels to:
• Engage with the victim’s family to negotiate a diyah (blood money) settlement — a provision allowed under Yemeni law for murder cases.
• Facilitate safe communication and secure transfer of compensation, already being raised by well-wishers and human rights groups.
• Seek clemency through diplomatic or humanitarian grounds, in line with India’s obligation to protect the rights of its citizens overseas.
The plea also stresses the urgency of intervention due to the lack of a full-fledged Indian embassy in Sana’a, making coordination more difficult.
Family’s Plea, Public Support Growing
Nimisha’s mother, who has been in Yemen for several months, continues to plead for the victim’s family to accept compensation. Activists have launched global fundraising campaigns, raising over $1 million for potential settlement. However, there has been no official response from the victim’s relatives so far.
In Kerala, civil society groups and women’s organizations have organized candlelight marches and vigils, urging the Indian government to act decisively before it is too late.
What Happens Next
The Supreme Court will hear the case on July 14, with only two days left before the execution date. A favourable verdict could direct the Ministry of External Affairs to escalate its involvement diplomatically and possibly delay or prevent Nimisha’s hanging. The case is likely to test not just legal boundaries but also India’s diplomatic resolve in protecting citizens abroad in conflict zones.
• Case Title: Save Nimisha Priya Action Council v. Union of India & Ors.
