The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has issued a powerful letter expressing its strongest condemnation of an incident involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and a woman doctor. The event, which has sparked nationwide outrage, occurred during a public ceremony in Patna.
Details of the Controversial Incident
The incident took place on December 15 at the chief minister’s secretariat in Patna. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was distributing appointment letters to newly recruited AYUSH doctors. A video that later went viral captured the moment when Kumar, noticing a woman doctor wearing a naqab (a face veil), questioned her by saying "what is this?" He then proceeded to pull down the hijab, leaving the doctor visibly embarrassed and flustered. The clip shows Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary intervening to restrain Kumar.
Strong Condemnation and Political Reactions
In its strongly-worded letter, signed by SCBA secretary Pragya Baghel, the association condemned the Bihar CM’s action as a severe infringement on the woman’s personal autonomy, religious freedom, and dignity. The letter stated it reflected a "depraving attitude against women in general." The SCBA also criticized subsequent remarks made by Union Minister Giriraj Singh and Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad, saying such comments further undermined women's dignity. The association demanded an unconditional apology from the chief minister and others involved.
The political reaction was swift. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) posted on X, questioning Kumar's mental state or suggesting he had become "100% Sanghi." The controversy deepened when Union Minister Giriraj Singh defended Nitish Kumar, calling the act "nothing wrong" and a procedural necessity. Singh argued the incident should not be viewed through a religious lens, comparing it to showing one's face at airport security or for a passport. He controversially added that it was up to the woman to refuse the government job or "go to hell."
Escalating Demands and Aftermath
Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad also faced backlash for his initial remarks supporting the Bihar CM. He later claimed his comments were misunderstood due to translation issues and offered to withdraw them if they had hurt sentiments. Despite this, opposition leaders have continued to demand an unconditional apology from both ministers.
The SCBA's condemnation highlights the serious nature of the incident, framing it not just as a personal indiscretion but as an action with broader implications for women's rights and religious freedom in India. The demand for an apology places significant pressure on Nitish Kumar's administration amid growing criticism of the act and its defense by allied politicians.
