The Supreme Court on Tuesday adjourned sine die a Public Interest Litigation seeking intervention in the case of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, observing that negotiations in the matter are currently underway.
Court pauses hearing amid ongoing negotiations
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta passed the order after being informed that discussions are actively progressing. The Court noted that the matter could be revived if circumstances change.
“In case of any development takes place, both the parties are at liberty to file an application for getting the matter listed,” the Bench observed.
PIL sought urgent intervention
The petition, filed by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, had sought urgent diplomatic and legal intervention to prevent the execution of Nimisha Priya, who is facing capital punishment proceedings in Yemen.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee appeared for the Union government, while counsel for the petitioner informed the Court about ongoing negotiations, prompting the request for adjournment.
Background of the case
Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse from Kerala, was convicted by a Yemeni court and had faced an execution date in July 2025. However, the execution was stayed a day before the scheduled date.
Efforts have since been focused on securing relief through diplomatic channels and legal avenues, including negotiations involving the victim’s family under Yemeni law.
Mediation and diplomatic efforts continue
Earlier, Attorney General R Venkataramani had informed the Court that a mediator had been appointed to help resolve the issue. Legal representatives had also highlighted the need to secure forgiveness from the victim’s family, a crucial step for any settlement involving “diyah” (blood money).
The Court had previously allowed the petitioner to approach the Union government for diplomatic intervention, emphasising the sensitive nature of international relations involved in the case.
Case kept open for future developments
By adjourning the matter sine die, the Supreme Court has effectively kept the proceedings in abeyance while allowing room for ongoing negotiations to progress.
The case remains closely watched, with hopes that diplomatic efforts may lead to a resolution.