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Centre Admits Limits In Yemen Case
The Government of India has told the Supreme Court that its capacity to intervene is limited in the case of Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala facing execution in Yemen. Her execution is scheduled for July 16, leaving only a narrow window for any rescue effort.
Attorney General R. Venkataramani informed the court that since India has no diplomatic presence in Yemen due to the ongoing civil conflict, traditional diplomatic routes are not available. He said that intervention at this point could only come through informal channels, such as negotiating blood money under local laws.
Blood Money Seen As Only Route
Yemen’s legal system allows the family of the victim to pardon a convict in exchange for compensation. In this case, Priya’s only remaining hope is if the victim’s family agrees to accept blood money and withdraws the execution demand.
The government has indicated that it is facilitating private efforts but cannot officially interfere in the judicial process of a sovereign nation where India has limited leverage.
Family’s Direct Efforts In Yemen
Nimisha Priya’s family, including her husband and mother, have travelled to Yemen and are reportedly trying to negotiate directly with tribal elders and the victim’s relatives. These talks are critical and must conclude before the execution date.
Political and Legal Push In India
Multiple political leaders from Kerala, including Members of Parliament and the Chief Minister, have appealed to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of External Affairs to make every possible effort to save Priya. The Supreme Court is also hearing a petition urging the Centre to act with greater urgency.
The matter is now scheduled for further hearing on July 14, just two days before the scheduled execution. The court is expected to assess whether the Indian government can do more under international humanitarian standards.
Urgency Grows As Deadline Nears
As the deadline approaches, the case has drawn national attention. Legal experts believe the situation exposes the limits of India’s diplomatic outreach in conflict zones. Meanwhile, public pressure is mounting on the government to secure a last-minute breakthrough and save the nurse from the gallows.
