Muslim woman denied entry to Delhi hospital for wearing burqa
Muslim woman’s exclusion from government hospital adds to growing unease over discrimination across schools, offices, and hospitals in India
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — A Muslim woman was reportedly denied entry to a major government hospital in India’s capital for wearing a burqa, an incident that has reignited concerns over the growing marginalization of Muslims in public spaces.
The woman, identified as Tabassum, said she was stopped by female security guards at Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital despite carrying a valid visitor pass. She had come to see her sister-in-law, who had recently given birth.
In a viral video circulating on social media, Tabassum recounted how guards told her, “You cannot go inside wearing this,” and refused to check her gate pass while letting other visitors enter freely.
The incident took place on November 7, 2025, and has sparked condemnation from civil rights groups and academics. Family members who accompanied Tabassum said the behavior of the guards was humiliating and unconstitutional. “Are Muslims now to be humiliated even for visiting their sick relatives?” one relative said while recording the incident.
Sociologist Prof. Irfan Ahmed of Jamia Millia Islamia University said the episode reflects a troubling normalization of prejudice. “First schools and colleges, now hospitals? This pushes minorities to feel unsafe in essential public spaces,” he said, adding that Islamophobia is no longer limited to political rhetoric but has seeped into everyday institutions.
Rights advocates note that Muslims in India have repeatedly faced discrimination in housing, employment, education, and even healthcare. In 2020, several reports surfaced of Muslim COVID-19 patients being denied treatment or segregated in hospitals following false accusations of virus spread. Analysts say the latest case underscores how prejudice now manifests in subtle but systemic forms.
While some reports suggest hospitals sometimes ask visitors to reveal their faces for security checks, GTB Hospital has no official policy banning burqas. Activists argue this was a clear instance of bias, not protocol. The hospital administration has not released any statement as of Tuesday.
Civil society groups have called for an investigation and stronger anti-discrimination mechanisms in public institutions. The incident, they say, symbolizes how India’s largest religious minority is increasingly alienated under a climate of rising religious intolerance.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
