Nimisha Priya Case: What is diya or blood money and who decides the amount?

Last update:January 3, 2025, 19:15 IST

Iran could reportedly help the Indian woman in humanitarian matters. Iran exerts 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 allow Priya to be forgiven by providing compensation to the victim’s family. (News18 Malayalam)

The case of the death penalty of an Indian nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen for killing his partner has once again come to light. Although the death penalty was decided some time ago, the issue has resurfaced in the headlines following the recent approval of the death penalty by the President of Yemen.

The Ministry of External Affairs of India has expressed its intention to make all possible efforts in this matter. Hopes are now pinned on “blood money”, which could allow Priya to be forgiven by providing compensation to the victim’s family.

Meanwhile, Iran He has also promised to provide all possible help to Priya on humanitarian grounds. However, questions remain about the nature of the blood money and the extent to which assistance from the Iranian government will have an impact 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 Sana’a with Mahdi. However, after the couple returned to Kerala, only Nimisha was able to return to Yemen. Nimisha’s family claimed that Mahdi took advantage of 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 ruling was confirmed by the Supreme Judicial Council in 2023, although the blood money option was still available. Recently, Yemen’s President Rashad al-Alimi approved the punishment, bringing the possibility of blood money to the headlines.

What is blood money?

Although the death penalty has been suspended in many Islamic countries, it is still practiced in some. However, along with this punishment there is a blood money provision. Blood money is a system in which someone accused of murder can be spared the death penalty only if they pay a certain amount as compensation to the victim’s family.

Sharia law and the Koran

According to the Diya principle of Sharia, 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 of compensation. While some countries have set a minimum amount, in many places the amount is determined through negotiations between the accused and the victim’s family.

Nimisha’s family is in touch with the victim’s family to seek forgiveness and avoid her death sentence by paying blood money. Nimisha’s husband Tommy Thommal, who previously resided in Sana’a but currently works 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 help 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 2.57-3.34 crore). Following the approval of the punishment by the Yemeni president, 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 on further aid. According to the Indian TimesIranian officials have stated that Iran could help Nimisha on humanitarian grounds. Iran supports the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who control most of the country, including the capital Sanaa. The Iranian government is believed to see this situation as an opportunity to revive bilateral relations and trade between India and Iran. Iran wants India to maintain relations and trade despite sanctions, similar to India’s approach to Russia.