Supreme Court to Hear Plea for Urgent Diplomatic Intervention to Save Kerala Nurse in Yemen

India’s Supreme Court has agreed to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent diplomatic action to prevent the execution of Nimisha Priya, a 38-year-old nurse from Kerala, convicted of murder in Yemen. The execution is scheduled for July 16, leaving only days for intervention. The Court will hear the plea on July 14, raising hopes that leverage through “blood money” provisions in Sharia law could save her.

What the Plea Requests

Filed by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, the PIL urges the Supreme Court to direct the Indian government and MEA to initiate diplomacy— even informally via the New Delhi or Riyadh mission—to:

• Negotiate with Yemeni authorities and the victim’s family

• Explore mechanisms under Sharia to arrange “blood money” (diyah)

• Seek commutation or pardon ahead of the looming execution

Lead counsel, Senior Advocate R Basant, emphasized that serious diplomatic moves are urgent given the tight timeline.

Supreme Court’s Response and Next Hearing

A three-judge bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi listed the petition for hearing on Monday, July 14. The Court also asked the petitioners to serve a copy to the Attorney General, signaling a possible Centre response.

The bench acknowledged that proceedings must be expedited, clear demand for quick diplomatic efforts behind the scenes.

Background of the Case

• Victim: Talal Abdo Mahdi, a Yemeni businessman

• Incident: July 2017—Nimisha allegedly sedated Mahdi to retrieve her passport, leading to his fatal overdose

• Conviction: Found guilty in 2020; appeals denied by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council in 2023; execution order ratified in 2024

• Execution Date: Set by President Rashad al-Alimi, scheduled for July 16, 2025

Who Is Nimisha Priya?

Originally from Kollengode, Palakkad (Kerala), Nimisha moved to Yemen in the late 2000s, working as a nurse in a local hospital before starting her own small clinic in Sana’a in 2015. She allegedly fell prey to exploitation:

• Her sponsor/business partner confiscated her passport

• She faced alleged mental, physical, and financial abuse

• Her family says she attempted to reclaim her passport but ended up accidentally causing a fatal overdose

Since her arrest in 2017, she has been imprisoned in Sana’a’s central jail under Houthi-controlled administration.

What is “Blood Money” (Diyah) in Sharia?

Under Yemeni Sharia law, a death sentence can be revoked if the victim’s family accepts financial compensation—known as diyah or blood money.

The plea submitted to the Court highlights:

• The Yemeni courts have ensured this pathway remains legally open

• Nimisha’s side has already raised over ₹8.5 crore (US$1 million) through public donations

• A pardon depends on whether Mahdi’s family accepts this settlement before the deadline

Diplomatic Hurdles

• No direct Indian embassy in Yemen since 2016; operations run via Riyadh-based missions

• Yemen remains in turmoil under Houthi rebel control, complicating diplomacy

• MEA has expressed ongoing concern, but formal negotiation for diyah hasn’t been publicized

The petition contends that only high-level diplomatic intervention can break the deadlock and trigger a possible pardon.

Political and Humanitarian Appeals

Supporters from Kerala, including former MP Mehbooba Mufti and CPM MP K Radhakrishnan, have publicly urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EAM S Jaishankar to take swift action. Mufti has even called on Indian women to contribute to the blood money fund.

These appeals underscore a widespread emotional response and growing national urgency to prevent a tragic outcome.

Stakes and Implications

1. Legal Precedent: India’s ability to facilitate a life-saving measure under foreign legal systems

2. Human Rights: Raises awareness on migrant worker vulnerabilities in conflict zones

3. Diplomatic Engagement: Tests the MEA’s capacity to intervene when formal channels are limited

4. Consensus Building: Demonstrates cross-party support as India unites to protect a citizen abroad

Challenges and Roadblocks

• Yemeni legal system is governed by Sharia and local courts

• Acceptance of blood money depends entirely on victim’s family

• Lack of diplomatic presence in Yemen slows negotiations

• Execution schedule—July 16—leaves extremely limited time

What Happens Next?

• July 14: Supreme Court hearing; Attorney General to represent Centre’s position

• Post-hearing: Mumbai High Court-like urgency, with MEA expected to brief the court

• Diplomatic efforts: Silent negotiations may begin ahead of nationalist or religious backlash

• Final Outcome: Hinges on victim’s family accepting diyah and Yemeni court ratifying relief

The Supreme Court’s move to take up the case is a positive sign in Nimisha Priya’s favor. Her fate depends now on legal advocacy, government diplomacy, and crucially, the victim’s family decision.

This case spotlights several key themes:

• Rights of Indians abroad

• Authority and limitations of diplomatic protection

• Power of national unity to support citizens in distress

With execution looming, India’s ability to secure clemency through blood money under Sharia will be tested. The July 14 hearing may set a precedent not only for Nimisha’s life but also for how future consular crises are managed.