ALIFA, NAPM urge action on alleged forcible removal of woman doctor’s veil by Bihar CM

Hyderabad: The All-India Feminist Alliance (ALIFA), under the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), has submitted an urgent appeal to the National Commission for Women (NCW), seeking immediate legal action against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over an incident involving a Muslim woman doctor at a public event in Patna.

In a letter dated December 18, addressed to the NCW Chairperson, ALIFA alleged that the Chief Minister publicly violated the dignity of a woman from a minority community during an official programme held on December 15, 2025.

Incident at AYUSH doctors’ appointment event

According to the appeal, the incident occurred during a public function in Patna where appointment letters were distributed to newly recruited AYUSH doctors.

ALIFA stated that Nitish Kumar ‘forcibly pulled down the naqab (face veil) of Dr Nusrat Parveen, a Muslim woman professional,’ after saying, “What is this?” and gesturing for her to remove it herself.

The act, the organisation said, was ‘non-consensual,’ was captured on video, and took place in front of officials and dignitaries, ‘with none of them interfering,’ leaving the woman ‘visibly startled.’

ALIFA further said that ‘it is learnt from reliable media reports’ that following the incident, Dr Parveen has decided not to join government service, despite receiving the appointment letter.

Alleged violation of dignity and autonomy

In the appeal, ALIFA stated that Nitish Kumar’s conduct ‘clearly exemplifies his patriarchal entitlement’ and amounts to a violation of ‘a woman’s bodily autonomy, personal dignity, privacy and freedom of religion.’

The letter said, “By physically removing her veil, he treated her body as ‘public property’, rather than respecting her as an autonomous adult and qualified professional.” It added, “Whether a woman chooses to wear a veil, uncover her face, or express herself in any other way, that decision belongs to her alone.”

ALIFA further noted that it is the responsibility of the state ‘to ensure the safety, dignity, and freedom of women in all spaces and not publicly humiliate or violate them.’

Legal provisions cited

The organisation stated that the Chief Minister’s actions constitute offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including:

• Section 74: Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty

• Section 76: Assault or use of criminal force to woman with the intent to disrobe

• Section 79: Word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman

ALIFA also said the act violates constitutional rights under Articles 14, 15, 19, 21 and 25, covering equality before law, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, right to life with dignity and freedom of religion.

Intersection of gender and religious discrimination

The appeal described the incident as ‘a clear case of gender oppression and systemic misogyny intersecting with religious bias and discrimination at the highest levels.’

It stated, “When the highest elected official in a state engages in such conduct, it raises grave questions about women’s safety and dignity under his governance.” The letter added that the incident cannot be seen in isolation from ‘the growing pattern of demonization of hijab, burqa, skull caps, beard etc.’

Response to public justifications

ALIFA also criticised attempts by some sections to frame the incident as ‘fatherly affection’ or an attempt to ‘highlight minority women’s progress.’

The organisation said such explanations are ‘patronising positions’ that ignore ‘the power imbalance: a high-ranking male politician publicly humiliating a female professional from a minority community.’

The appeal also condemned remarks attributed to Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad, who reportedly said, “What would have happened if Nitish Kumar had touched somewhere else?” calling them ‘outrageous and disgusting.’

Concerns over NCW’s response

The organisation said it was ‘dismayed that the NCW hasn’t taken suo moto cognisance of this serious issue,’ adding that such acts ‘deepen the atmosphere of fear amongst women from minority communities, especially Muslim women.’

Demands placed before NCW

ALIFA urged the National Commission for Women to take suo motu cognizance of the matter and ensure the following actions:

1. An immediate and unconditional public apology by Nitish Kumar ‘to the young woman and to all women.’

2. Initiation of legal action against the Bihar Chief Minister under relevant provisions, including Sections 74, 76 and 79 of the BNS.

3. Legal action against UP Minister Sanjay Nishad and others for comments justifying the incident.

4. Provision of safety, protection, support with consent, and compensation to the aggrieved woman for ‘humiliation and mental trauma.’

5. Permanent government employment for Dr Nusrat Parveen 'with full assurance of dignity and safety.’

6. Proactive measures by the Bihar and Union governments to safeguard the rights, dignity and religious freedom of all women, particularly from minority communities.

Call for accountability

Concluding the appeal, ALIFA said it stands in solidarity with women asserting their autonomy and dignity and called for ‘accountability, including introspection on how power dynamics enable such behaviour.’

The organisation expressed hope that the NCW would address the concerns ‘with the due seriousness it deserves and take firm action, to uphold fairness and justice in this entire matter.’