The Supreme Court Today (Aug 25) refused to hear a plea seeking a gag order on “unverified public statements” about Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who faces death row in Yemen. The court said the Attorney General already assured no media briefing will happen.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a petition that had asked for a ban on people making “unverified public statements” in the sensitive case of Indian nurse and murder accused Nimisha Priya, who is facing the death penalty in Yemen.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta questioned the petitioner, social activist K A Paul, about what exactly he was demanding.
The court referred to the statement given by Attorney General R Venkataramani, who had earlier assured that only the Government of India will speak officially on the matter and no one else will be allowed to brief the media.
The bench asked,
“What do you want? Do you want nobody should come out and say anything to media? Attorney general has said that government of India will ensure nobody briefs media. What else you want?”
Attorney General Venkataramani stressed in the hearing that this is a “very sensitive matter“ and assured the court that he would personally make sure that “no media briefings took place till it concluded.”
After hearing these assurances, the matter was dismissed as withdrawn.
The petitioner Paul had argued that Priya herself wanted the court’s intervention to enforce a complete gag order on media coverage. He claimed that delicate negotiations were already taking place in the matter, but some individuals were spreading unverified and false statements which could affect the process.
The petition had requested the Supreme Court to direct the Centre to take immediate and coordinated diplomatic steps with Yemen in order to commute Nimisha Priya’s death sentence into life imprisonment.
Apart from this, it had also asked for an order to move a competent court for a comprehensive and time-bound media gag that would stop anyone from publishing or circulating any unverified content without prior approval from the official government agency involved in the talks.
Earlier on August 14, during another hearing, the apex court was informed by the petitioner’s counsel that there was “no immediate threat” to Nimisha Priya’s life. That case was about directing the Government of India to make urgent diplomatic efforts to save the 38-year-old nurse from Palakkad, Kerala, who was convicted of murdering her Yemeni business partner in 2017.
The Supreme Court had also been told last month that Nimisha Priya’s execution, which was scheduled for July 16, had been put on hold. Later, on July 18, the Centre informed the top court that
“Efforts were on and the government was trying everything possible to ensure Priya came out safely.”
Nimisha Priya was convicted in 2017 and sentenced to death in 2020. Her final appeal was rejected in 2023. Currently, she is imprisoned in Sana’a, the capital of Yemen.
CASE TITLE:
DR. K. A. PAUL @ KILARI ANAND PAUL V UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.
W.P.(C) No. 803/2025
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LAST TOP COURT HEARING ON THIS MATTER
The Supreme Court of India on Aug 22 issued a notice in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that asked for a media gag order in the case of Malayali nurse Nimisha Priya, who is facing the death penalty in Yemen.
The matter came up before a bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta.
The petitioner in this case, social activist K.A. Paul, urged the court to immediately restrict public discussions on the issue for a short duration.
He said:
“I am only asking for a three-day restraint from discussing this matter, as per her request. A complete gag order is needed let the government speak, but not those two individuals who keep appearing in the media making false claims.”
After hearing the brief submissions, the Supreme Court bench directed that a notice be issued to the Attorney General of India. The case has now been officially listed for further hearing on Monday, August 25, 2025.
While concluding the proceedings, Justice Vikram Nath made it clear that the court will not pass any order until the next date of hearing.
He said:
“Any order will be passed on Monday.”
This case has drawn wide public attention as Nimisha Priya, a Malayali nurse, has been on death row in Yemen for several years. Her family and supporters have been campaigning for government intervention to save her life.
The present petition adds a new twist by seeking a media gag, arguing that misleading public statements may affect diplomatic efforts.
CASE TITLE:
DR. K. A. PAUL @ KILARI ANAND PAUL V UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.
W.P.(C) No. 803/2025
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Previous Hearing (Related Case)- “No Imminent Threat of Execution”: Supreme Court Gives 8 Weeks
The Supreme Court of India on Aug 14 decided to give more time in the case related to the release of Malayali nurse Nimisha Priya, who is currently in a prison in Yemen.
The court adjourned the matter for 8 weeks after hearing from her legal team that, at this moment, there is no immediate danger of her being executed.
Her counsel told the court that:
“There is currently no imminent threat of execution”
and also explained that
“Negotiations are underway”
between the concerned parties to find a solution.
The lawyers also made it clear to the judges that:
“They would mention the matter if any urgency arises,”
meaning if the situation suddenly becomes serious or risky, they will immediately bring it back before the court without waiting for the next date.
The case was heard by a bench consisting of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta, who agreed to give the extra time so that ongoing discussions and talks could continue without interruption.
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HEARING ON JULY 18th IN APEX COURT
The Supreme Court of India on July 18 was informed that the planned execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen has been temporarily stopped.
Attorney General R Venkataramani, who was speaking for the Government of India, told the bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta that “efforts are on” to save Nimisha Priya.
He made it clear in court that the Indian government is doing its best to ensure her safe return. According to him, the Centre is trying everything possible to bring her back alive from Yemen.
The Supreme Court judges also took note of the government’s actions and said,
“They (government) are taking good care of whatever is possible.”
A lawyer for the petitioner, who filed the case, told the judges that the first step is to get a pardon from the family of the man who was killed. After that, they will discuss the matter of paying “blood money”, which is a legal way in some countries to settle murder cases by paying compensation.
The petitioner clearly told the court that Nimisha Priya’s execution has been postponed for now. After hearing the update, the Supreme Court said that it would take up the case again on August 14.
The case came to the Supreme Court through a petition that asked the Government of India to take urgent action and use all available diplomatic methods to save Nimisha Priya, who is 38 years old and currently in jail in Sana’a, the capital city of Yemen.
She is a nurse originally from the Palakkad district in Kerala. She was accused of murdering her Yemeni business partner back in 2017. In the year 2020, she was given the death sentence, and in 2023, her final appeal was rejected, leaving her with no more legal options in Yemen’s courts.
Her execution was first planned for July 16, but because of ongoing diplomatic and legal efforts, the process has now been stayed.
CASE TITLE:
SAVE NIMISHA PRIYA INTERNATIONAL ACTION COUNCIL vs UNION OF INDIA AND ANR.
W.P.(C) No. 649/2025.
LATEST UPDATE ON EXECUTION IN YEMEN
Kerala-born nurse Nimisha Priya, who was set to be executed in Yemen on Wednesday, July 16, received a temporary relief as her hanging has been postponed, as per top sources cited by Times Now.
This major development comes after well-known Sufi religious leaders from India and Yemen got involved to save her life and resolve the matter peacefully.
The intervention was led by famous Yemeni Sufi scholar Sheikh Habib Umar bin Hafiz, following a personal appeal made by respected Indian Sunni leader Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar.
These spiritual figures are trying to bring both sides together for a peaceful and lawful solution.
A very important meeting is expected today in Dhamar, Yemen. In this meeting, representatives of Sheikh Habib Umar will be talking directly with the family of Talal Abdo Mahdi, the Yemeni man whom Nimisha Priya was found guilty of murdering in 2017.
One of the key family members, who is also the Chief Justice of Hodeidah State Court and a member of the Shura Council, has specially travelled to attend this high-level discussion.
“The fact that he is a follower of Sheikh Habib Umar’s Sufi order and the son of another prominent Sufi leader offers great hope. Along with persuading the family, he is also expected to meet the Attorney General to initiate urgent efforts to postpone the execution scheduled for tomorrow.”
-said Kanthapuram’s office.
According to sources closely involved in the negotiations, this is the first real progress in trying to connect with Mahdi’s family, who had earlier refused to speak to anyone.
“It was only through Kanthapuram’s intervention that communication with the family became possible for the first time,”
-a source revealed.
Tuesday’s meeting will mainly discuss whether the victim’s family is open to accepting diya (blood money) under Shariah law. This payment can sometimes be accepted in such cases to avoid capital punishment.
“We see the agreement of the family to hold talks with representatives of the Sufi spiritual leader as a positive signal,”
-the source added.
Meanwhile, the Indian government also made a statement in the Supreme Court on Monday, saying that their hands are tied due to the complicated diplomatic relationship with Yemen, which India doesn’t officially recognise.
“The Government of India is trying its best. We have also engaged with some sheikhs who are very influential people there. Yemen is not like any other part of the world where, through diplomatic processes or inter-governmental negotiation, something can be sought. It is very complex.”
-Attorney General R Venkataramani informed the bench.
Nimisha Priya, who hails from Palakkad district in Kerala, was convicted in 2020 for the murder and dismemberment of her former business partner, Mahdi. Her final legal appeal was rejected in 2023, and she has been awaiting execution in Sana’a Central Prison ever since.
CASE TITLE:
SAVE NIMISHA PRIYA INTERNATIONAL ACTION COUNCIL vs UNION OF INDIA AND ANR.
W.P.(C) No. 649/2025
CASE BACKGROUND
The Indian government Yesterday (July 14) told the Supreme Court that there is very little more it can do to stop the execution of Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, who has been sentenced to death in Yemen.
Nimisha is facing the death penalty for allegedly killing a Yemeni man who had been harassing her.
On Monday, while hearing the matter, the Supreme Court bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta was told by the Centre that the case was complicated due to limited diplomatic ties between India and Yemen.
“It is unfortunate… but there is a limit on what we can do,”
-the government submitted before the court, highlighting the difficulty in helping Nimisha through official channels.
The government added,
“The only way is if the family (of the Yemeni man) agrees to accept the ‘blood money’ (i.e., financial compensation).”
The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that Nimisha Priya’s mother had travelled to Yemen and is currently working as a domestic worker there. She is trying to negotiate with the victim’s family in hopes of convincing them to accept blood money, which will be arranged privately.
The counsel stressed that the government’s help in this process is crucial, as negotiation is the only hope to stop the execution.
Justice Mehta acknowledged the seriousness of the situation by stating,
“It’s a sensitive matter.”
Attorney General R. Venkataramani, appearing for the government, clarified the Indian government’s limited role in the case.
“The government has a limited role; Yemen isn’t diplomatically recognized. Blood money is a private arrangement,”
-he said.
He explained further,
“The Indian government has done all it reasonably can. Yemen presents unique challenges, unlike other countries. To avoid complicating matters, efforts have been kept private. Some influential individuals and local Sheikhs are already involved in ongoing negotiations.”
He admitted that the situation is hard to monitor in detail.
“There’s no clear way to ascertain the exact situation on ground. The government has made every possible effort.”
Justice Mehta also expressed concern about the possibility of execution, calling it deeply upsetting:
“The real concern is the nature of the incident. If she loses her life, it would be deeply tragic.”
The Attorney General responded,
“It’s a very unfortunate matter, but not one where the government can be directed to go beyond its diplomatic limits.”
Justice Mehta emphasized that the petitioner is not asking for anything unreasonable:
“The petitioner is merely seeking assistance in facilitating negotiations.”
To this, AG Venkataramani replied,
“It could be a matter of increased compensation. We’re not certain. The situation appears to be at a standstill, but the government is doing its best.”
Justice Nath then asked the petitioner directly,
“What exactly are you seeking from the Court now?”
The senior counsel for the petitioner responded by explaining that Embassy officials in Yemen are already accompanying the mother during jail visits, and that some private individuals have started negotiations.
He requested only that a government representative continue assisting similarly.
AG Venkataramani clarified,
“That is already being done.”
The petitioner added that if any contact can be made with the victim’s family, it may help delay or stop the execution.
Justice Mehta asked,
“How can the Court issue such an order? Who would enforce it?”
Justice Nath then concluded by saying,
“We’ll list the matter again in 3–4 days and consider how best to proceed with disposal.”
The petitioner’s counsel made a heartfelt plea, saying,
“If this can make even 0.5% difference. That is the only intention. Let money not be an issue if they are ready to negotiate.”
In the end, the Supreme Court stated that after hearing the Attorney General, the matter will be listed again on Friday. The court directed all parties involved to update the Court on the status by then.
The plea was filed on July 10 asking the Indian government to take urgent diplomatic steps to stop the execution of Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old Indian nurse from Kerala, who is currently on death row in Yemen.
She is scheduled to be hanged on July 16, 2025, for allegedly killing a Yemeni man.
Nimisha was accused of murdering Talal Abdo Mahdi in 2017. According to reports, she gave him sedative injections in an attempt to take back her passport, which he had kept with him. Unfortunately, the man died due to the sedatives, and Nimisha was arrested and later sentenced to death under Yemeni Sharia law.
The case was urgently mentioned in the Supreme Court of India. The lawyer appearing for the petitioner told the court,
“She is a 37 year old lady. Sentence to death in Yemen under Sharia Law. Sentence can be condoned if the family forgives. If the union can intervene..”
This means that under Yemen’s Sharia law, if the victim’s family forgives her and accepts “blood money”, then the death sentence can be cancelled.
The lawyer further told the court,
“I am an Indian citizen..”
emphasizing that the case involves an Indian national and needs the support of the Indian government to initiate diplomatic negotiations.
The bench, comprising Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, responded by asking,
“What did you do?”
referring to any prior steps taken by the petitioner.
After hearing the matter briefly, the Supreme Court agreed to take up the case and said,
“We can list on July 14”.
This means the court will officially hear and consider the plea on July 14, just two days before the scheduled execution date.
The plea has requested that the Union Government of India urgently reach out to Yemen’s authorities to negotiate for forgiveness and the payment of “blood money”, which is legally allowed under Yemen’s Sharia system.
Nimisha Priya’s Background
Early Life and Education
- Born on 1 January 1989 in Kollengode, Palakkad district, Kerala to daily-wage labourer parents. A local church supported her nursing training after she couldn’t complete school exams.
Move to Yemen
- Moved to Yemen in 2008 to work as a nurse in government hospitals in Sana’a. In 2011, her husband and daughter returned to India due to financial strain and civil unrest, while she stayed behind.
Opening Clinic and Partnership
- In early 2015, she co-founded Al Aman Medical Clinic, a 14-bed facility, in partnership with Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi, as required by local law.
- Later, tensions rose: Mahdi allegedly stole funds, seized her passport, and physically and psychologically abused her.
2017 Incident and Arrest
- In July 2017, struggling to retrieve her passport, she allegedly injected Mahdi with sedatives; the overdose proved fatal. She then, with another nurse, dismembered his body and disposed of it in a water tank
- Nimisha was arrested in August 2017 near the Saudi border
Trial and Death Sentence
- Convicted of murder in 2018, she was sentenced to death under Yemeni Sharia law. Appeals were rejected by a retrial in 2020 and again by the Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023
- In December 2024, Yemen’s President Rashad al-Alimi approved the execution order, originally set for January but now confirmed for 16 July 2025
Family Visit and Diplomatic Efforts
- In April 2024, her mother Prema Kumari visited Yemen, meeting Nimisha at Sana’a prison and initiating negotiations with tribal elders
- Activists and her action council have offered blood money (diyat), pledging up to USD 1 million (Rs 8–8.6 crore), but the victim’s family has not yet accepted
- Negotiations have involved Indian officials, Houthi authorities via Iran, and activists like Samuel Jerome Baskaran.
Current Status
- Nimisha remains in central prison, Sana’a, under Houthi control. With her execution set for 16 July 2025, there is intense pressure on the Government of India to secure a last-minute pardon or blood-money settlement
CASE TITLE:
SAVE NIMISHA PRIYA INTERNATIONAL ACTION COUNCIL vs UNION OF INDIA AND ANR.
W.P.(C) No. 649/2025
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