Execution of Indian nurse on death row in Yemen stayed, nothing adverse happening: SC told

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday was informed that the execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who is on death row in Yemen for murder, has been stayed and that no adverse developments are currently taking place.
Attorney General R. Venkataramani, appearing for the Centre, told a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta that a new mediator has stepped into the matter.
“What has happened to the execution?” the bench inquired. The counsel representing the petitioner organisation, ‘Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council’, which is providing legal support to Nimisha Priya, stated that the execution has been stayed for the time being.
“There is a new mediator who has stepped into the picture,” Venkataramani added, noting that “the only good thing is, nothing adverse is happening.” The petitioner’s counsel suggested that the matter may be adjourned.
The bench directed, “List in January 2026. It will be open for the parties to apply for early listing if the situation demands.”
The top court is hearing a plea seeking a direction to the Centre to use diplomatic channels to save 38-year-old Nimisha Priya, who was convicted of murdering her Yemeni business partner in 2017. Earlier, on August 14, the apex court had been informed that there was “no immediate threat” to Nimisha Priya.
Nimisha Priya’s execution, originally scheduled for July 16, had already been stayed. The Centre had earlier informed the court on July 18 that efforts were ongoing to ensure that Nimisha Priya is brought back safely.
The petitioner’s counsel also said that Nimisha Priya’s mother had travelled to Yemen to negotiate with the victim’s family after receiving permission from the Delhi High Court. Nimisha Priya, a native of Palakkad in Kerala, is currently imprisoned in a jail in Sana’a, the capital of Yemen.
Convicted in 2017, Nimisha Priya was sentenced to death in 2020, and her final appeal was rejected in 2023. Her legal team has suggested exploring the possibility of paying blood money under Sharia law, which could lead the victim’s family to pardon Nimisha Priya.
On July 17, the Indian government had stated that it was in touch with Yemeni authorities and certain friendly nations to reach a “mutually agreeable solution” in the case of Nimisha Priya.