Social Media Storm Over Alleged Internal Policy
A controversy has erupted online after an alleged internal dress code and grooming policy document of eyewear major Lenskart surfaced on social media, triggering a heated debate over workplace rules on religious expression.
The viral document has drawn sharp criticism for reportedly restricting Hindu religious symbols such as bindi and tilak while allowing specific guidelines for hijab, raising questions about consistency and corporate neutrality.
What the Viral Document Claimed
The leaked policy reportedly outlined grooming standards that included restrictions on religious markers worn by employees.
It stated regarding sindoor:
“If wearing sindoor, it should be placed minimally and should not fall on the forehead. It says “bindi is not allowed”.”
It further mentioned:
“Bindi/clutcher is not allowed”
The document also reportedly instructed:
“religious threads/wristbands must be taken out”
These claims triggered widespread outrage and intense discussions across social media platforms.
Hijab and Dress Code Instructions Mentioned
The same document also outlined appearance guidelines for hijab and other head coverings.
It stated:
“If wearing [a] hijab/turban, it should [be] black in colour. The hijab should be of medium chest coverage and must not cover the logo,”
It further added:
“Wearing a burkha in the store is not allowed.”
The contrasting nature of these guidelines became the focal point of the controversy, with users questioning the rationale behind selective restrictions.
Online Backlash Intensifies
The issue gained momentum after author and activist Shefali Vaidya posted about it on X, tagging Lenskart founder Peyush Bansal. She wrote:
“Hi Peyush Bansal, can you please clarify why hijab is okay but bindi/kalawa is not at Lenskart”
Her post sparked a wider debate, with users split between claims of outdated policy documents and allegations of discriminatory workplace standards.
Peyush Bansal Issues Clarification
Responding to the controversy, Lenskart CEO and founder Peyush Bansal clarified that the document circulating online does not reflect the company’s current policies.
“I want to speak directly that this document does not reflect our present guidelines… Our grooming policy has evolved over the years and outdated versions do not represent who we are today. We apologise for the confusion and concern this situation has caused,” Bansal said on X.
He further emphasized inclusivity, stating:
“We have no restrictions on any form of religious expression, including bindi and tilak”
Bansal also highlighted workforce diversity, adding:
“We have thousands of team members across Bharat who wear their faith and culture proudly every day at our stores. They are Lenskart”
About Lenskart and Its Business Growth
Lenskart is one of India’s leading eyewear companies, operating on a direct-to-consumer model that reduces costs by manufacturing its own frames and lenses and eliminating middlemen.
The company, which became a unicorn in 2019, is widely seen as a potential IPO candidate and is currently valued at around $5.6 billion.
According to earlier Reuters reports, Lenskart has seen strong financial performance, with profits rising nearly 70 times in a recent quarter. Net profit reportedly jumped to Rs 1.31 billion from Rs 18.5 million year-on-year, while revenue rose 38.8% to Rs 23.08 billion.
