SCBA condemns hijab incident involving Bihar CM, calling it an assault on woman’s dignity and constitutional rights.

Overview

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) adopted a resolution strongly condemning the alleged conduct of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during an official ceremony held in Patna on December 15, 2025. The incident involved the alleged forcible pulling down of a woman doctor’s hijab in public view. The resolution, dated December 20, 2025, was deliberated upon by the SCBA President and Executive Committee and issued under the signature of Honorary Secretary Pragya Baghel. The Bar Association described the act as a serious affront to a woman’s dignity, autonomy, and constitutional freedoms, raising grave concerns over constitutional morality.

Key Aspects

The incident raises significant concerns relating to gender dignity, misuse of authority, and respect for individual freedoms. The SCBA highlighted how actions by constitutional functionaries set social and legal precedents and must adhere strictly to constitutional values. The key factual and legal issues emerging from the episode are as follows:

• Alleged forcible removal of a woman doctor’s hijab during a public official ceremony .

• Incident occurred in full public view, amplifying its impact on dignity and privacy .

• Conduct attributed to a high constitutional office holder .

• Derogatory comments by public ministers further aggravated the situation .

Legal Insights

The incident touches the core constitutional guarantees protecting dignity, equality and religious freedom . The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) emphasized violations under the following legal provisions :

• Article 21, Constitution of India: Right to life includes dignity, bodily autonomy and personal liberty .

• Article 25, Constitution of India: Freedom of conscience and right to profess and practice religion .

• Article 14, Constitution of India: Equality before law and protection against arbitrary state action .

• Article 15, Constitution of India: Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion and gender .

Conclusion

There is no judicial adjudication yet. However, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) demanded an unconditional apology from those responsible and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting women’s dignity, individual autonomy and the constitutional rule of law .

Source – Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA)

Read also – Constitution of India