New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday was informed that the execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, sentenced to death in Yemen for murder, has been stayed and “nothing adverse is happening” at present.

Attorney General R. Venkataramani, representing the Centre, told a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta that a new mediator has entered the case.

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“What has happened to the execution?” the bench inquired.

Counsel for the petitioner organisation ‘Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council’, which is providing legal support to Priya, confirmed that the execution is on hold.

“There is a new mediator who has stepped into the picture,” Venkataramani said, adding, “The only good thing is, nothing adverse is happening.”

The petitioner’s counsel suggested that the matter may be adjourned.

“List in January 2026. It will be open for the parties to apply for early listing in case the situation so demands,” the bench directed.

The Supreme Court was hearing a plea seeking directions for the Centre to engage diplomatic channels to secure the release of the 38-year-old nurse, convicted in 2017 for the murder of her Yemeni business partner.

Earlier, on August 14, the apex court was informed that there was “no immediate threat” to Priya. Her execution, originally scheduled for July 16, had already been stayed, with the Centre assuring the court that all efforts were underway to ensure her safety.

The petitioner’s counsel had also noted that Priya’s mother travelled to Yemen with permission from the Delhi High Court to negotiate with the victim’s family. Under Sharia law, payment of blood money could potentially lead the family to pardon Priya.

Priya, a native of Palakkad, Kerala, was sentenced to death in 2020 and had her final appeal rejected in 2023. She is currently imprisoned in Sana’a, the capital of Yemen.

On July 17, the Indian government stated that it was in contact with Yemeni authorities and friendly nations to seek a “mutually agreeable solution” in the case.