Nimisha Priya case: SC asks Centre to respond on mediation team

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday directed petitioners in the Nimisha Priya case to approach the Central Government with their demands concerning the formation of a diplomatic and mediation team to save the Malayali nurse sentenced to death in Yemen.

The apex court posted the next hearing for August 14.

The Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, which has been advocating for her release, appeared before the bench urging the government to urgently form a six-member mediation team. The proposed team aims to engage in talks with the family of the murdered Yemeni national, Talal, to seek a pardon through the Islamic provision of Qisas, potentially involving a blood money settlement.
The Supreme Court was informed on Friday that the hanging of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen has been temporarily stayed. The central government assured the court that it is making every effort to save her life and secure her safe return.

Attorney General R. Venkataraman told a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta that the government is actively working on the matter. The lawyer for the petitioner explained that a stay of execution was granted, but the next step is to secure forgiveness from the relatives of the deceased, after which the issue of blood money can be addressed.

Following these submissions, the bench postponed the hearing of the case until August 14 to allow more time for diplomatic efforts.

According to the proposal, two members would be nominated by the Action Council, two from the Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar group, and the remaining two by the Central Government. Advocate Subhash Chandran KR and Kunjammad Koorachundu were named as Council representatives, while Dr Hussain Saqafi and Hamid were proposed from the Markaz group.

Senior advocates representing the Council, including Rakend Basant and Subhash Chandran, submitted the plea before the court, which awaits a response from the Centre.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had briefed Attorney General R. Venkataramani on the diplomatic negotiations, including engagement with influential regional figures in Yemen. However, Abdu Fatah Mahdi, the brother of the deceased, reportedly continues to oppose any pardon.

An MEA spokesperson said the ministry is not aware of any official role by Kanthapuram Musliyar in the matter, although his group’s delegates are among those proposed to participate in mediation.

The next Supreme Court hearing on the matter is scheduled for August 14, and the Council continues to urge swift government action to prevent the execution.

More updates to follow.