Nimisha Priya: Travel Clearance for Blood Money Talks; Supreme Court Allows Representation to Centre

Priya, who was sentenced to death by a Yemeni court, was scheduled to be executed on July 16, 2025. However, her execution has been stayed as of July 15 until further notice.

The Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta was hearing a petition filed by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, urging the Government of India to facilitate negotiations and secure her release through diplomatic channels and payment of blood money.

At the outset, Attorney General R Venkataramani apprised the Court that efforts were ongoing and requested adjournment. “Let it be put for some other day so that we know in the meanwhile…” he submitted.

Senior Advocate R. Basant appearing for the petitioner informed the Court that the temporary stay on Priya’s execution was secured with the help of various stakeholders. He added that the next crucial step is to secure forgiveness from the victim’s family, a precondition for initiating negotiations on the payment of diyah (blood money) under Yemeni law.

The Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioner, pointed out that a travel ban was currently in place and only the Government of India could grant special permission for individuals to travel to Yemen for these negotiations.

The Bench, however, refrained from issuing any directions and asked the petitioner to approach the Government directly.

The Attorney General cautioned against any immediate intervention, stating, “There are so many diplomatic, inter-country relationships involved… Why should we get involved and create a problem when the real issue is solved?”

While declining to pass any formal order, the Court allowed the petitioner to make a representation to the Government, which may consider the request on its own merits.

The matter will now be taken up on August 14.