On Monday, the Supreme Court of India was informed that the government has almost exhausted its avenues to intervene in the case of Nimisha Priya, the Kerala nurse facing execution in Yemen. Priya, convicted of murdering her Yemeni business partner in 2017, is set to be executed on July 16. The case has sparked widespread debate amid claims that she acted out of desperation after facing severe harassment and abuse, with her supporters alleging that her trial suffered from procedural flaws and inadequate legal defence.
Representing the federal government, the Attorney General told the Supreme Court that all diplomatic and legal efforts have been made. Although officials remain in contact with Yemeni authorities and have sought to postpone the execution, the government underlined the challenge of dealing with the Houthi-controlled administration in the absence of formal diplomatic ties. The Ministry of External Affairs added that it is extending every possible support, but stressed that there is little more it can do at this stage.
In Yemen, under Islamic Sharia law, the only remaining option to save Priya is through the payment of 'diya' or blood money—compensation offered to the victim’s family in exchange for forgiveness. This, however, hinges on the willingness of the victim’s family to accept such a settlement. So far, despite efforts by Priya’s family and campaigners, the victim’s relatives have reportedly declined all offers.
The Supreme Court bench acknowledged the government’s limitations and noted that Priya’s fate now largely depends on ongoing negotiations between her family and the victim’s family. With the execution date fast approaching, the Court has fixed the next hearing for July 18, leaving a narrow window for any resolution.