NEW DELHI – A major controversy erupted around Lenskart on April 16, 2026, after an internal grooming guide titled the “Lenskart Staff Uniform and Grooming Guide” went viral on social media. The document sparked widespread outrage for allegedly permitting the wearing of hijabs while explicitly prohibiting Hindu religious symbols such as bindis, tilaks, and kalawas.
Controversy Dashboard
Core of the Controversy
The leaked document, which reportedly dates back to February 2026, outlined strict appearance standards for store employees:
- Permitted Attire: Black-colored hijabs and black turbans were allowed for store staff during their shifts.
- Prohibited Symbols: The guide stated, “Religious tikka/tilak and Bindi/Sticker is not allowed”.
- Restrictive Guidelines: Married Hindu women were reportedly told to keep sindoor minimal and hidden, while religious threads (kalawa) were to be removed or hidden under sleeves.
Peyush Bansal’s Response
Lenskart founder and CEO Peyush Bansal issued a series of clarifications to address the mounting backlash:
Founder’s Clarification
- Outdated Document: Bansal dismissed the guide as an “outdated internal training document”.
- Policy Error: Admitted the document contained an “incorrect line” regarding bindi and tilak.
- No Restrictions: Asserted Lenskart has no restrictions on religious expression.
Corrective Actions
- Claimed the error was removed as early as Feb 17.
- Apologized for the concern and took full responsibility.
- Ensured a stricter review of all future internal materials.
Public & Expert Reaction
Despite the apology, netizens and activists, including author Shefali Vaidya, challenged Bansal’s explanation. Critics questioned why such a discriminatory policy existed even in an older version and demanded that the company make its “current” and “corrected” policy public to verify the changes.
