Eyewear retailer Lenskart has drawn sharp criticism after a staff uniform and grooming guide surfaced online, prohibiting bindi and tilak while allowing hijab and turbans.
The document, titled "Lenskart Style Guide Version 11 (1)- 2nd Feb," sparked outrage on X on 15 April. Author Shefali Vaidya highlighted what she called "religious asymmetry," prompting users to accuse the company of bias against Hindu symbols. "Are we living in India or Pakistan? Very soon Lenskart and all companies will ask you to become Muslim to get job. @HMOIndia (Home Minister of India) is silent on this to allow? Cancel the licence. Sindoor is Religious but not Hijab," one user posted, tagging India's Home Minister. Others questioned: "Care to explain how is bindi a risk ?? How can sacred thread be a threat or risk ?? Aren’t you ashamed at all of how you are hurting Sanatan Dharma ?? Hope you apologise to your Hindu employees"
Page 11 of the guide bans tilak, bindi, visible tattoos, caps, and hats. It permits turbans and hijabs—preferring black—but restricts henna to 10 days with approval, wedding chura (bangles) to three months, minimal sindoor not falling on the forehead, and religious threads (kalwa) to one day post-pooja.
Lenskart founder Peyush Bansal responded on X, dismissing the guide as an "inaccurate policy document" that does not reflect current guidelines. Our grooming policy has “evolved over the years”, and “outdated versions do not represent who we are today," he wrote, apologising for the confusion.
Bansal emphasised the company's Indian roots: "We have thousands of team members across Bharat who wear their faith and culture proudly every day at our stores. They are Lenskart. Lenskart was built in Bharat, by Indians, for Indians. Every symbol and every tradition our people carry is a part of who we are as a company. I will never let that be compromised."
A community note challenged his claim, noting the document's company branding and lack of an updated policy. Bansal clarified it was an "outdated internal training document," admitting an "incorrect line about bindi/tilak" was removed on 17 February. "As Founder and CEO, the responsibility for such lapses is mine," he added, pledging stricter reviews.