Indian Nurse Nimisha Priya's Yemen Execution Stayed: Supreme Court Update

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse who was sentenced to death in Yemen, has received a temporary stay of execution according to information presented to the Supreme Court on Thursday.

The Supreme Court was notified that "nothing adverse was happening" in the case as Attorney General R Venkataramani, representing the Union Government, informed the bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta that a new mediator has become involved in the matter.

The court was addressing a petition seeking directions for the Centre to utilize diplomatic channels to save the 38-year-old nurse, who was convicted of murdering her Yemeni business partner in 2017.

When the bench inquired about the status of the execution, the counsel for the petitioner organization 'Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council' confirmed that the execution had been stayed for now. This organization has been providing legal support to Priya throughout her case.

Attorney General Venkataramani added that "the only good thing is that nothing adverse has happened" and mentioned the involvement of a new mediator in the case.

Following the petitioner's counsel's request for adjournment, the bench scheduled the next hearing for January 2026, noting that parties could apply for an earlier listing if circumstances required it.

Priya's legal journey began with her conviction in 2017, followed by a death sentence in 2020, and the rejection of her final appeal in 2023. Originally from Palakkad in Kerala, she is currently imprisoned in a jail in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen.

The petitioner's counsel had previously informed the Supreme Court about the possibility of exploring payment of blood money to the victim's family, which is permissible under Sharia law. This approach could potentially lead to Priya being pardoned by the victim's family.

On July 17, India stated it was in communication with Yemeni authorities and friendly nations to reach a "mutually agreeable solution" in the case. The following day, the Centre informed the Supreme Court that efforts were ongoing to ensure Priya's safe return.

By August 14, the petitioner organization's counsel had notified the top court that there was "no immediate threat" to Priya. Previously, it was reported that Priya's mother had traveled to Yemen to negotiate with the victim's family, having received permission from the Delhi High Court through the Centre.