The Supreme Court heard a plea by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, an NGO seeking urgent intervention to save Nimisha Priya, a 36-year-old Indian nurse facing execution in Yemen. Priya was convicted in 2017 for the murder of her Yemeni business partner and is scheduled to be executed on 16 July 2025, following the confirmation of her death sentence by Yemen’s President in 2024.
During the hearing, Attorney General R. Venkataramani informed the Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta that all diplomatic avenues had been exhausted. Under Yemeni Sharia law, the only remaining option is a ‘blood money’ (diyah) settlement with the victim’s family. However, despite offers exceeding ₹8.6 crore, the family has refused, citing honour-related reasons.
The Court, while acknowledging the government’s efforts and limitations given the absence of formal diplomatic ties with Houthi-controlled Yemen, adjourned the matter to 18 July 2025, urging continued informal negotiations. The case has attracted widespread public and political support in India, with leaders across parties—including Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, K.C. Venugopal, Mehbooba Mufti, and K. Radhakrishnan urging the Centre to step up efforts.