Lenskart founder Peyush Bansal has dismissed allegations that the company's current style guide allows employees to wear a hijab but not a bindi, tilak or kalawa. The controversy erupted after a "Lenskart Staff Uniform and Grooming Guide" began circulating online, sparking a row over alleged religious discrimination.
The document claimed that store employees were allowed to wear a black-coloured hijab during their shift, along with black turbans. However, it also stated that bindis and tilaks were not permitted, noting: "Religious tikka/tilak and Bindi/Sticker is not allowed." The guideline drew sharp criticism online, with many calling it discriminatory, as bindis are typically worn by Hindu women, while tilak is worn by both men and women.
Responding to the backlash, Peyush Bansal said the document being shared is outdated and does not reflect Lenskart's current policies. In a post on X, he clarified that the company does not restrict any form of religious expression.
"Our policy has no restrictions on any form of religious expression, including bindi and tilak, and we continue to review our guidelines regularly," Bansal said. He added that the grooming policy has evolved over time and apologised for the confusion caused by the circulating document.
However, the clarification did not fully quell the controversy. Several users on X questioned Bansal's statement, claiming the document in circulation was from February 2026 and not an old version. Some users demanded that Lenskart make its current policy public, while others questioned why such "religious asymmetry" existed in the first place, even if the document was outdated.
