Nimisha Priya Execution Case: Supreme Court Hears Plea to Stall Hanging📰
Centre Admits Limitations⚖️
During the hearing, Attorney General of India (AGI) R Venkataramani informed the court that the Indian government is making every possible effort to save Priya but described the situation as “very complex”.
He told the Supreme Court that negotiations are ongoing with Yemeni authorities, including the public prosecutor handling Priya’s case, to suspend the execution order to facilitate further dialogue. However, he admitted the government’s ability to intervene is limited.
“There’s nothing much the government can do,” Venkataramani stated, pointing to the “sensitivity of Yemen”. He explained that Yemen is not diplomatically recognised, and blood money negotiations are considered a private matter.
“There is a point till which the Government of India can go. We have reached that,” he said, as quoted by Live Law. “It’s not a matter where government can be asked to do something beyond its defined limit... it’s very unfortunate.”
He further noted that despite requests for suspension of the execution, the Yemeni government has not agreed.
Petitioner Seeks Government’s Negotiation Support🗣️
The petitioner’s counsel argued before Justices Sandeep Mehta and Vikram Nath that they were merely requesting the government’s assistance in negotiations.
“Local embassy officials accompany [Nimisha’s] mother to jail in Yemen… Anybody from the government can negotiate… that’s the small thing we are asking for,” the petitioner’s counsel said.
The Centre, however, stated that while blood money remains an option, it is unclear if the victim’s family is willing to accept compensation. The AGI remarked:
“It may be a question of more money, we don’t know. It seems to be a kind of standstill. The government is trying its best.”
Blood Money: The Last Remaining Option💰
The petitioner informed the court that they are willing to pay higher blood money if necessary. The counsel said that convincing the victim’s family is the only way to save Priya under Sharia law.
“But they [victim’s family] say it is a question of honour and we don’t accept. We don’t know if it changes with more money. But as of now, standstill,” the AGI told the court.
Justice Sandeep Mehta expressed concern, stating it would be “very unfortunate” if Priya were to lose her life.
Next Hearing📅
After hearing the submissions, the Supreme Court scheduled the matter for further hearing on Friday, July 18.
Background: What is Blood Money?❓
Blood money is compensation paid to the family of someone who has been killed, allowing pardon under Sharia law. Nimisha Priya was sentenced to death in Yemen for the alleged murder of a Yemeni man in 2017. Reports state that she tried to sedate him to retrieve her passport after facing torture and assault, but he died of an overdose.
With two days left until her execution, her family is attempting to finalise a blood money settlement, reportedly offering up to $1 million (around ₹8.6 crore), but the victim’s family has not accepted the offer so far.
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