The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has strongly condemned the alleged conduct of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for reportedly forcibly pulling down the hijab of a woman doctor during a public ceremony in Patna earlier this month, describing the act as a grave assault on a woman’s dignity, autonomy, and constitutional rights.

In a resolution dated December 20, 2025, the President and Executive Committee of the SCBA expressed their “strongest condemnation” of the incident, which is stated to have occurred on December 15, 2025, during an official function. The Bar body termed the episode deeply disturbing, particularly because it allegedly involved a person holding a high constitutional office.

The SCBA observed that forcibly pulling down a woman’s headscarf not only violates her personal dignity but also infringes upon her autonomy, agency, and freedom of religion. It stated that such conduct reflects a “depraving attitude against women in general” and strikes at the core values protected by the Constitution of India.

The resolution also condemned what it described as “vile and derogatory comments” allegedly made by Union Minister Giriraj Singh and Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad, noting that such remarks undermine the dignity of women and reinforce discriminatory attitudes in society.

Calling the incident an affront to the constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination, the SCBA demanded an unconditional apology from those responsible. Reiterating its institutional commitment, the Bar Association affirmed that it would continue to stand for the protection of individual rights, the dignity of women, and the rule of law.

The resolution was issued under the signature of SCBA Honorary Secretary Pragya Baghel, following deliberations by the Association’s President and Executive Committee.