New Delhi, Oct 16 (UNI) The Supreme Court was today informed that the execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who is on death row in Yemen for murder, has been stayed, with “nothing adverse happening” at present.
Appearing for the Centre, Attorney General R. Venkataramani told a Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta that a new mediator has stepped into the matter, indicating progress in ongoing diplomatic efforts.
“What has happened to the execution?” the Bench inquired. Responding, counsel for the petitioner organisation — Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council — confirmed that the execution remains stayed.
“The only good thing is nothing adverse is happening,” remarked the Attorney General, suggesting cautious optimism in the sensitive case.
Granting time for further developments, the Court said, “List in January 2026. It will be open for the parties to apply for early listing if the situation so demands.”
The Bench was hearing a plea seeking directions to the Centre to use diplomatic channels to save the 38-year-old Kerala nurse, convicted in 2017 for murdering her Yemeni business partner.
Earlier, on August 14, the top court had been informed that there was “no immediate threat” to Priya. The Centre has consistently assured the Court that efforts are underway through diplomatic means to secure her release.
Priya, who hails from Palakkad, Kerala, was sentenced to death in 2020, and her final appeal was rejected in 2023. She is currently lodged in a Sana’a prison in Yemen.
Her mother had travelled to Yemen to negotiate with the victim’s family for ‘blood money’ compensation, permissible under Sharia law, which could lead to a pardon if accepted.
On July 17, India informed the Supreme Court that it was in touch with Yemeni authorities and friendly nations to arrive at a “mutually agreeable solution” in the case.
