Eyewear company Lenskart found itself at the centre of a controversy after a document, purportedly outlining its workplace grooming guidelines, went viral on social media. The document drew criticism for appearing to restrict certain Hindu religious symbols—such as bindi, tilak, and kalawa—while permitting the wearing of hijab, leading to allegations of inconsistency and bias.
The circulated document stated that bindis were not allowed, sindoor should be minimal, and religious threads or wristbands should be removed. At the same time, it permitted hijabs, though with specific conditions such as color and visibility of branding, while disallowing burkhas in store settings. These provisions triggered backlash online, with several users questioning the rationale behind allowing some forms of religious expression while restricting others.
In response to the growing criticism, Peyush Bansal issued a clarification stating that the document did not reflect the company’s current policies. He explained that it was an outdated internal training note rather than an official HR guideline and acknowledged that it contained incorrect references, particularly regarding bindi and tilak.
Bansal emphasised that Lenskart’s present policy does not impose restrictions on religious expression and that employees are free to wear symbols of their faith. He also stated that the company’s grooming guidelines have evolved over time and that outdated documents should not be taken as representative of current practices. In a follow-up statement, he added that the problematic line in the document had already been identified and removed earlier, and accepted responsibility for not addressing it sooner.
The controversy unfolded at a time when Lenskart is experiencing strong business growth and preparing for an initial public offering, with an estimated valuation of around $5.6 billion. The incident has nonetheless highlighted the sensitivity around workplace policies related to cultural and religious expression, and the importance of clear, updated communication from organisations on such matters.
