In a crucial hearing, the Supreme Court of India was informed on Thursday, October 16, 2025, that the execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, currently on death row in Yemen for a murder conviction, has been stayed. Authorities confirmed that no adverse steps are being taken in her case at present.
Attorney General R. Venkataramani, representing the Indian government, conveyed this positive update to a Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta. He revealed that a new mediator has become involved in the sensitive matter.
When the Bench inquired about the status of the execution, counsel for the ‘Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council,’ an organization providing legal assistance to Priya, confirmed that the execution is indeed on hold.
“There is a new mediator who has stepped into the picture,” Mr. Venkataramani stated, adding optimistically, “The only good thing is nothing adverse is happening.”
Following these developments, the petitioner’s counsel requested an adjournment, which the Bench granted. The case is now listed for January 2026, with the provision that parties can request an earlier listing if the situation demands.
The Supreme Court has been actively hearing a plea that seeks the Centre’s intervention through diplomatic channels to secure the release of the 38-year-old nurse, who was convicted in 2017 for the murder of her Yemeni business partner.
Previously, on August 14, the apex court was assured by the petitioner’s counsel that there was “no immediate threat” to Priya’s life. This followed an earlier announcement that her execution, initially scheduled for July 16, had been postponed.
On July 18, the Indian government had already assured the court that all possible efforts were underway to ensure Priya’s safe return. It was also noted that Priya’s mother had traveled to Yemen to negotiate with the victim’s family, a journey facilitated by a Delhi High Court order allowing her to travel.
Nimisha Priya, who hails from Palakkad in Kerala, was sentenced to death in 2020, and her final appeal against the conviction was rejected in 2023. She remains imprisoned in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen.
The petitioner’s counsel had previously suggested to the top court that exploring the payment of ‘blood money’ to the deceased’s family, as permitted under Sharia law, could lead to Priya being pardoned. This remains a key aspect of the ongoing negotiations.
India reiterated its commitment on July 17, stating that it is actively engaging with Yemeni authorities and friendly nations to achieve a “mutually agreeable solution” in this critical humanitarian case.