With Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya facing execution in Yemen on July 16, the Indian government has told the Supreme Court that it has reached the limit of what it can diplomatically do to intervene in the case. The Ministry of External Affairs, represented by Attorney General R Venkataramani, stated in court that further action is constrained due to Yemen’s political situation and the nature of the legal system under Houthi control, reported Hindustan Times.
Centre’s Diplomatic Limits Highlighted
In court, Attorney General R Venkataramani bluntly stated that the Indian government has exhausted all diplomatic avenues. Representing the Centre, he said Yemen’s “not diplomatically recognised” territory under Houthi control limits formal negotiations. He warned that the option to halt the execution through diplomatic channels is virtually non-existent. “Blood money is a private negotiation,” he reminded the bench, emphasizing that such settlements fall outside official diplomatic purview.
Supreme Court Urged to Intervene
The plea, filed by the Save Nimisha Priya Action Council, demands urgent government action to save her life. Senior advocate Subhash Chandran, who brought the petition – highlighted that under Sharia law, her sentence could be commuted if the victim’s family accepts diyā (blood money). He urged India to back such a settlement. The court has scheduled the next hearing for July 18, as the deadline draws dangerously close.
Family Pleads for Mercy, Kerala Voices Support
Nimisha’s family has been indefatigable. Her mother travelled to Sanaa to negotiate directly with the victim’s kin, while MPs from Kerala, including K. Radhakrishnan wrote to the Prime Minister, seeking swift intervention. Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, also urged federal help. Public sentiment in her home state has profoundly moved, marked by emotional appeals and hopes for a final reprieve.
A Complex Case of Blood Money and Legal Hurdles
Yemen’s legal system allows for diyā, a form of compensation to the victim’s family in exchange for sparing the condemned. Nimisha’s husband publicly stated that approximately ₹8.5 crore (US$1 million) has been offered. Yet, the victim’s family has reportedly refused to accept it so far. Indian officials have stressed that while they can facilitate discussions, the act of settlement remains a private transaction.
Analysts also note that Nimisha’s trial was reportedly conducted in Arabic without an interpreter, raising concerns about due process. Supporters argue that enhanced diplomatic engagement or third-party mediation – perhaps via countries like Iran could persuade the family or delay the execution.
Diplomatic Stalemate and Broader Implications
India’s lack of official recognition for the Houthi regime further complicates matters. Without formal diplomatic channels, New Delhi’s interventions are reduced to goodwill gestures and informal mistrust. This case underscores a broader issue: Indian workers abroad can be vulnerable to hostile legal systems without proper consular protection.
Despite public and political attention, India’s options appear restricted. The narrative now centres on whether the Supreme Court will compel the Centre to pursue alternative means or accept the collapse of diplomatic efforts. The urgency arises from both a moral and political responsibility to protect Indian citizens overseas.
The Ticking Clock Ahead
With the execution date looming, all eyes are on the Supreme Court’s next hearing on July 18. If diplomatic and legal obstacles persist, the only remaining lifeline appears to be a personal settlement via blood money pending the victim’s family’s acceptance. Civil rights groups emphasize that every possible avenue should be pursued until the final moment, reflecting a shared sentiment that “nothing more” should not translate to resignation.
Photo Credit: HT
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