Nimisha Priya
Nimisha Priya
New Delhi:
Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya – sentenced to death by Yemen for killing a man harassing her – will likely be executed Wednesday unless her lawyers can persuade his family to accept ‘blood money’ of $1 million (i.e., Rs 8.6 crore) as financial compensation for his unintended death.
On Monday the Indian government told the Supreme Court ‘blood money’ is likely Nimisha Priya’s last hope of escaping the death sentence. Attorney General R Venkataramani said the government could not do much more – at this time – to ensure the Kerala nurse’s release from Yemen.
“It is unfortunate… there is a point till which we can go. We have reached it,” he said.
‘Blood Money’ In The Koran
It is money paid to the family of the person killed in exchange for a pardon. In Sharia law – followed by Yemen and (to varying degrees) other Islamic countries, including Saudia Arabia, Iran, and Pakistan – the murdered person’s legal heirs have the right to demand and/or accept this compensation.
Under Sharia law if ‘blood money’ is offered and accepted, then the offender – Nimisha Priya, in this case – can’t be executed. In most cases s/he, or they, are also pardoned by the government.
Here’s the current situation:
- The Indian government has informed the Supreme Court that the only remaining option to save Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya—sentenced to death in Yemen—is a “blood money” (diyah) settlement under Sharia law, as diplomatic interventions have reached their limit .
- Her execution, originally scheduled for July 16, 2025, has been deferred following emergency interventions by clerics and diplomatic efforts .
- Religious leaders like Sheikh Habib Umar bin Hafiz and Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker are mediating, while domestic appeals—including from Mehbooba Mufti—are pushing for fundraising to secure the blood money .
🕊 What is “Blood Money” (Diyah)?
Under Islamic/Sharia law, the family of a murder victim can forgive the offender in exchange for compensation, typically known as blood money. Acceptance of diyah leads to pardon and commutation of the death penalty .
Has it helped other Indians before?
Yes—several Indians have been saved through diyah:
| Year | Country | Case | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | UAE | A. S. Sankaranarayanan paid 2 lakh dirhams (₹47 L) after 8 yrs on death row | Freed |
| 2017 | Saudi Arabia | Telangana man Limbadri’s diyah (~₹1.8 crore) paid by a businessman | Freed |
| 2014 | Saudi Arabia | Three Indians accused of killing a compatriot; diyah ~₹1.12 crore | Freed |
| 2013 | Saudi Arabia | Saleem Basha: death sentence commuted after King Abdullah paid ~₹1.5 crore | Freed |
| 2006–26 | Saudi Arabia | Abdul Rahim: diyah ₹34 crore raised; spent 20 yrs including sentence | Set free in 2026 |
While each case differs by laws, victim’s family, and consent, these examples show diyah has repeatedly spared Indians from execution in Gulf countries.
Can it save Nimisha?
- Currency and consent: Reports suggest ₹8.6 crore (~$1 million) is being sought by the victim’s family .
- Negotiations underway, led by Justice Kurian Joseph and religious figures; Nimisha’s mother is reportedly present in Yemen to engage with the family directly .
- Execution deferred, offering valuable time, though official resolution depends on the victim’s family agreeing to a settlement .
Table of Contents
Final Thoughts
- Blood money is Nimisha’s last lifeline, a route acknowledged by the Indian government.
- The postponement of her execution and ongoing negotiations increase the chances of a breakthrough.
- Historical precedents show diyah has successfully saved Indians from the death penalty—though no guarantee exists, especially in war-torn Yemen’s complex political landscape.
I’ll continue monitoring key developments—if you’d like deeper insights into Yemen’s legal process, how diyah is negotiated, or detailed UP‑SC filings in India, just say the word.
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