Public responses to the niqab incident and Iltija Mufti’s legal complaint

By Raqif Makhdoomi*

Following an incident in which the Chief Minister of Bihar was seen pulling aside the niqab of a Muslim woman doctor during a public interaction, the episode drew widespread attention and debate across India. Public reactions were divided, with some defending the action and others criticising it as an infringement on personal autonomy and dignity. The incident was widely circulated on social media and reported by national and international media outlets.

The controversy intensified after remarks by political figures from other states. One minister from Uttar Pradesh publicly supported the Bihar Chief Minister and made comments that further escalated the criticism. As of now, neither the Chief Minister nor the supporting minister has issued a public apology. Other political leaders sought to downplay the incident, arguing that the act should not be overstated and framing it as limited in scope. These statements were also met with criticism, particularly from sections of the Muslim community, who viewed the niqab as a matter of religious observance and personal choice rather than a mere article of clothing.

Amid the ongoing debate, reports indicated that the doctor involved had not resumed her duties, with concerns raised about the impact of the incident on her professional and personal well-being. Statements by some public figures comparing the episode to familial or informal interactions were also contested by critics, who argued that such comparisons were inappropriate in the context of a public official interacting with a citizen.

As demands for accountability continued, Iltija Mufti, the daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, filed a formal complaint against the Bihar Chief Minister. Her action received extensive media coverage, as few political actors had taken formal legal steps despite widespread public discussion. The filing of the complaint, along with a protest preceding it, became a focal point of national media attention.

Political reactions to Iltija Mufti’s complaint were mixed. Leaders from different parties criticised or questioned her decision, with some drawing parallels to unrelated past events involving her mother. Others dismissed the complaint by making personal remarks, including questioning her right to speak on issues related to religious dress. These responses were themselves criticised as diverting attention from the specific incident under discussion.

The episode also prompted broader debate on women’s autonomy, constitutional rights, and freedom of religious expression. Supporters of the complaint argued that constitutional protections allow women both the freedom to choose their attire and the right to object to actions perceived as coercive or humiliating. Critics maintained differing views, reflecting the wider ideological divide on issues of personal liberty, religion, and public conduct.

The incident, the subsequent political responses, and the legal complaint together contributed to renewed discussion on the limits of authority, the responsibilities of public officials, and the application of constitutional principles in everyday interactions.

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*Law student and human rights activist

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