Nimisha Priya Case: What Is Diya Or Blood Money And Who Decides The Amount?

Last Updated:January 03, 2025, 19:15 IST

According to reports, Iran may help the Indian woman humanitarian grounds. Iran wields influence over Yemen's Houthi rebels. They see this episode as an opportunity to strengthen ties with India

Hopes are now pinned on ‘blood money’, which could see Priya pardoned by providing compensation to the victim's family. (News18 Malayalam)

The death penalty case of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen for killing her partner has once again come to limelight. While the death penalty was decided some time ago, the matter has resurfaced in headlines following recent approval of the death sentence by the President of Yemen.

The Indian Foreign Ministry has stated its intention to make every possible effort in this matter. Hopes are now pinned on ‘blood money’, which could see Priya pardoned by providing compensation to the victim’s family.

Meanwhile, Iran has also pledged to provide all possible help to Priya on humanitarian grounds. However, questions remain about the nature of blood money and the extent to which the Iranian government’s assistance will be impactful in this case.

Nimisha is accused of killing her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2017. Nimisha’s husband had previously opened a clinic in Sanaa with Mahdi. However, after the couple returned to Kerala, only Nimisha was able to go back to Yemen. Nimisha’s family claimed that Mahdi exploited this situation, withholding both Nimisha’s share of the clinic’s profits and her passport.

In 2020, a lower court sentenced Nimisha to death. This sentence was upheld by the Supreme Judicial Council in 2023, though the option of blood money remained available. Recently, Yemen’s President, Rashad al-Alimi, approved the punishment, bringing the possibility of blood money into the headlines.

What is blood money?

Although the provision of the death penalty has been halted in many Islamic countries, it is still practised in some. However, a provision for blood money exists alongside this punishment. Blood money is a system in which someone accused of murder can be forgiven the death penalty only if they pay a certain amount as compensation to the victim’s family.

Sharia law and the Quran

According to the principle of Diya in Sharia law, the decision to accept blood money rests solely with the victim’s family, specifically the heirs. The Quran is often cited in support of this principle, but it does not specify a fixed amount for compensation. While some countries have established a minimum amount, in many places, the sum is determined through negotiations between the accused and the victim’s family.

Nimisha’s family is in contact with the victim’s family to seek a pardon and prevent her death sentence through the payment of blood money. Nimisha’s husband, Tommy Thommal, formerly residing in Sana’a but currently working as a driver in Kerala, is actively involved in these efforts. Priya’s mother, based in Sana’a, is also dedicated to this cause and has sought assistance from the Indian government.

How did the Indian government help?

Earlier this year, the Indian government allocated $ 40,000 (i.e. Rs 34 lakh) to save Nimisha. However, Nimisha’s family may now need $ 3-4 lakh (i.e. Rs 2.57 to Rs 3.34 crore). Following the Yemeni President’s approval of the punishment, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated its full cooperation in the matter.

What is Iran’s offer?

Iran’s offer of assistance to Nimisha comes even before the Indian government has issued a statement regarding further help. According to the Times of India, Iranian officials have stated that Iran may be able to help Nimisha on humanitarian grounds. Iran supports the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who control most of the country, including the capital, Sana’a. It is believed that the Iranian government views this situation as an opportunity to revive India-Iran relations and bilateral trade. Iran desires India to maintain relations and trade despite sanctions, similar to India’s approach with Russia.

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News explainers Nimisha Priya Case: What Is Diya Or Blood Money And Who Decides The Amount?