SC Nods to Mediation Effort in Nimisha Priya Case, Council to Lead Talks

The Supreme Court has granted permission for the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council to form a six-member diplomatic team. This team aims to negotiate diya, or blood money, with the family of a Yemeni murder victim. The court's decision allows the group to begin groundwork in Yemen for initiating dialogue.

The delegation's mission is to reach out to the victim's family, offer an apology, and start diya negotiations. Their goal is to secure a pardon and prevent Nimisha Priya's execution. Priya, a nurse from Kerala, was sentenced to death in Yemen in 2020 for murdering her business partner.

Supreme Court's Crucial Decision

The court acknowledged the humanitarian aspect of the appeal and approved the formation of the proposed delegation. The council's plea was accepted, allowing them to proceed with their efforts in Yemen. This marks a significant step forward for their campaign.

Justice Vikram Nath's bench heard the case on July 18, where it was listed as Item 29. The Attorney General's office formally mentioned it at 10:30 am. The court recognised the appeal's humanitarian nature and permitted the delegation's formation.

Delegation Composition and Objectives

The team will include two council representatives: Advocate Subhash Chandran K R and Kunjahammed Koorachund. Two representatives linked with Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar’s peace efforts will join them: Advocate (Dr) Husain Saqafi and Hamid. Additionally, two officials will be nominated by the central government.

This initiative has garnered widespread public support and international attention. The council plans to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and other stakeholders promptly. Their efforts aim to save Priya from execution by securing a pardon through diya negotiations.

Background on Nimisha Priya's Case

Nimisha Priya was convicted of murdering her Yemeni business partner in 2017. Her death sentence was handed down in 2020, and her final appeal was rejected in 2023. She is currently imprisoned in Sana'a, Yemen’s capital city.

The council’s diplomatic-mediation team hopes to engage with the victim’s family effectively. By offering an apology and negotiating diya, they aim to prevent Priya’s execution and secure her release from prison.