New Delhi, Dec. 24 -- 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.

Signed by SCBA secreta...