The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition filed by Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who faces a death sentence in Yemen in a murder case. The court has asked the petitioner to provide a copy of the petition to the Attorney General's office.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court agreed on Friday to hear a petition regarding the case of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who faces a death sentence in Yemen in a murder case. The petition seeks the issuance of directives to prevent individuals, organizations, and others from making ‘‘unverified public statements.’’
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed the petitioner to submit a copy of the petition to the office of Attorney General R. Venkataramani.
Supreme Court's Direction
The bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued a notice on the petition and adjourned the next hearing of the case to August 25, 2025. The bench asked the petitioner who is taking care of Priya and what are the conditions of her mother. Petitioner K. A. Paul said that he received a “shocking letter” from Priya and her mother, in which they clarified that Priya is a victim and the case has become more complicated due to the war-like situation.
Paul also stated that he has spoken with Priya, the victim's family, and the Houthi leadership, and that legal intervention is needed to stop the misinformation spreading in the media about the case. He told the court that Priya has requested a complete ban on the media. The Supreme Court said that this petition will be attached to the previously filed pending petition by the 'Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council'.
This organization is providing legal assistance to Priya. The bench asked the petitioner what else they wanted, to which the petitioner said that he only wanted to issue a notice and join the case.
Brief Overview of Nimisha Priya's Case
Nimisha Priya, a resident of Palakkad, Kerala, was convicted in 2017 for the murder of her Yemeni business partner. A Yemeni court sentenced her to death in 2020, and her final appeal was rejected in 2023. She is currently imprisoned in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen. The Central Government informed the Supreme Court on July 18 that all possible efforts are being made to ensure Priya's safety. Also, on July 16, a stay on her execution was ensured.
