The legal battle over the death sentence of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen continues, with the Supreme Court receiving key updates on Thursday. The central government informed the court that her execution is currently under stay and confirmed that no severe consequences have occurred so far. The court has now deferred further proceedings to January next year, allowing parties to seek an advance listing in case of any emergency developments.
Earlier, petitions were filed urging the government to use diplomatic channels to secure Nimisha Priya’s release. During Thursday’s hearing, the Supreme Court questioned the status of her death sentence, while lawyers representing the ‘Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council’ confirmed that legal assistance continues and the stay remains in effect. Attorney General Venkatramani, representing the central government, added that a new mediator has been appointed to the case.
Supreme Court hears a plea seeking directions to the Centre to use diplomatic channels to save Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who faces the death penalty in Yemen.
Bench: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta. pic.twitter.com/xwrGqRDJPq
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Case Background
Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, went to Yemen in 2008 after completing her nursing course and began working there. She partnered with local businessman Talal Adib Mehdi to establish a medical council center. Allegations later surfaced that Talal harassed her and locked her passport and other important documents. In 2016, her complaint to the police did not yield results, escalating the situation.
In 2017, while attempting to retrieve her passport, Nimisha reportedly administered drugs to Talal, resulting in his death due to an overdose. She allegedly disposed of his body in a water tank. While trying to flee to Saudi Arabia, she was arrested at the border and subsequently sentenced to death. The execution, originally scheduled for July 26 this year, has been postponed due to government and religious interventions, with legal proceedings ongoing to determine her fate.