SCBA Slams Nitish Kumar Pulling Down Veil Of A Muslim Woman Demands Apology

(MENAFN- Live Mint) The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has issued a letter expressing its "strongest condemnation" of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's actions in pulling down a woman doctor's naqab during a public ceremony in Patna.

The letter describes it as shocking that a figure in such high office (Bihar Chief Minister) would attempt to demean the woman's dignity and autonomy by removing her headscarf. The incident, captured in a widely circulated video that has ignited a major political row, occurred on 15 December at the Chief Minister's secretariat. Ayush doctors had gathered to receive their appointment letters when Kumar noticed the woman's naqab, remarked "what is this?", and removed the veil.

Also Read | Doctor whose naqab was removed by Nitish Kumar fails to join duty: Officials

Signed by SCBA secretary Pragya Baghel, the letter states: "Besides infringing on her autonomy, agency and religious freedom, it is a reflection of the depraving attitude against women in general." It also condemns "the vile comments made by Union Minister Giriraj Singh and Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad", arguing that such remarks undermine women's dignity.

The association views both acts as a grave infringement upon the personal dignity of a woman and "an affront to the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in the Constitution". It demands an unconditional apology from the Chief Minister and others involved.

Also Read | 'I condemn it in very strong words': Javed Akhtar calls for unconditional apology from Nitish Kumar over hijab incident

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar faced massive backlash after a video clip of which has been circulated widely, showed an event that took place at the Chief Minister's secretariat in Patna when Ayush doctors had gathered to receive their letters of appointment. When the woman came up for her letter, Nitish Kumar saw her 'naqab', said“what is this” and then removed the veil.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh waded right into the row and said it is up to the woman to refuse the appointment or "go to hell".

"If someone is going to collect an appointment letter, should they not show their face? Is this some Islamic country? Nitish Kumar acted as a guardian," he argued.

"If you are going to get a passport, do you not show your face? When you go to the airport, do you not show your face? People talk about Pakistan and Englishtan, but this is India. In India, the rule of law prevails," Giriraj Singh said and added that Nitish Kumar did the right thing.

Further, Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad had asked, "What would have happened if he touched her somewhere else?" Facing a backlash over the comment, termed crass and misogynistic, he said the spirit of his remark was lost in translation.

Also Read | Opposition slams Nitish Kumar over 'hijab-pulling' viral video

Amid the ensuing controversy, Patna Civil Surgeon Dr Avinash Kumar Singh has clarified that the woman doctor may still join, subject to Health Department approval. Speaking to ANI on Saturday, he outlined the procedure: "If she comes here, then we will take her contribution and give her the letter, and she will join... Joining is only possible until 6 PM... But that doesn't mean the joining cannot happen on the following day, but this decision is taken by the health department."

Dr Singh noted that while the official joining deadline is 6 pm, extensions are possible and have precedents, applying equally to all remaining candidates. "The joining process could not be completed today. But we are hopeful that she will come and join... The joining date can be extended; it has happened earlier. There are still 12 doctors left, and if the time is extended, it will be extended for everyone. 63 doctors have joined, and 12 are still left," he added. Most selected doctors have already taken up their posts, with only a small number pending.

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