The Bihar State Minority Commission (BSMC) has intervened in response to the All India Jewellers and Gold Federation’s decision to prohibit women wearing burqas, hijabs, or niqabs from entering jewellery showrooms in Bihar. The BSMC has reached out to the Patna Senior Superintendent of Police and District Magistrate for immediate action following reports and viral videos highlighting this issue. The Commission criticized the AIJGF President for allegedly instigating religious discord by advocating for the exclusion of women in religious attire from jewellery shops.
The BSMC expressed concerns that the AIJGF’s directive infringes upon constitutional rights, specifically Article 19(1)(a) and Article 21, which safeguard freedom of expression and personal liberty. It denounced the portrayal of women in religious garb as potential threats, emphasizing that security measures should not target specific attires but focus on overall safety protocols. The Commission highlighted the need for law enforcement and security enhancements to maintain public order instead of discriminatory practices based on religious identity.
Questioning the rationale behind singling out women in burqas/niqabs for security reasons, the BSMC emphasized the impracticality and legal fragility of such measures. It warned against actions that could disrupt communal harmony and goodwill in society, urging authorities to uphold constitutional rights and prevent any potential law-and-order issues arising from discriminatory restrictions. The Commission called for a thorough examination of the situation and appropriate measures to safeguard social cohesion in Bihar.
