Peyush Bansal Apologises Over ‘No Bindi-Tilak, Hijab Allowed’ Guide, Shares Statement on Social Media
Eyewear brand Lenskart has landed in the middle of a social media controversy after claims about its employee grooming policy went viral. The issue quickly gained traction online, leading to widespread debate around workplace inclusivity and religious expression.
The controversy began when a screenshot, said to be from the company’s internal style guide, started circulating across platforms, raising questions about how religious symbols are treated within the organisation.
As the screenshot spread, it triggered discussions about corporate policies, cultural sensitivity, and employee rights in India.
In her post, she claimed that the document allowed the wearing of a hijab but restricted symbols such as bindi, tilak and kalawa. She wrote, “So I confirmed, this is genuine. This is what @peyushbansal tells his employees, hijab is okay, but bindi/tilak/Kalawa is not, for @Lenskart_com, a company that exists in Hindu majority Bharat, where most of the employees and consumers are Hindu! What do you say to this? This is page 11 of the Lenskart style guide for employees.”
Her remarks quickly went viral, sparking strong reactions and drawing attention to the issue.
One user commented, “Hindu employees denied the right to wear kumkum/bindi, while hijab is allowed? Double standards must end.” Another user said they would reconsider purchasing from the brand, while others described the alleged rules as “unfair” and “insensitive”.
The controversy soon expanded into a larger conversation about workplace inclusivity, corporate responsibility, and cultural representation.
Peyush Bansal Responds as Lenskart Grooming Guide Triggers Controversy Peyush Bansal Responds as Lenskart Grooming Guide Triggers Controversy “I’ve been seeing an inaccurate policy document going viral about Lenskart. I want to speak directly that this document does not reflect our present guidelines. Our policy has no restrictions on any form of religious expression, including bindi and tilak, and we continue to review our guidelines regularly,” he said.
He clarified that the document being circulated does not represent Lenskart’s current grooming policy.
The controversy began when a screenshot, said to be from the company’s internal style guide, started circulating across platforms, raising questions about how religious symbols are treated within the organisation.
Viral Screenshot Raises Questions on Religious Symbols
The document, which was widely shared online, appeared to suggest that certain forms of religious expression were allowed while others were restricted. This led to concerns about whether workplace policies at Lenskart were treating religious identities unequally.As the screenshot spread, it triggered discussions about corporate policies, cultural sensitivity, and employee rights in India.
Hijab vs Bindi Debate Gains Momentum
The controversy intensified after social media user Shefali Vaidya shared the screenshot on X, alleging unequal treatment of religious symbols.In her post, she claimed that the document allowed the wearing of a hijab but restricted symbols such as bindi, tilak and kalawa. She wrote, “So I confirmed, this is genuine. This is what @peyushbansal tells his employees, hijab is okay, but bindi/tilak/Kalawa is not, for @Lenskart_com, a company that exists in Hindu majority Bharat, where most of the employees and consumers are Hindu! What do you say to this? This is page 11 of the Lenskart style guide for employees.”
Her remarks quickly went viral, sparking strong reactions and drawing attention to the issue.
Online Backlash and Mixed Reactions
Following the viral post, several users expressed concern over the alleged policy, questioning whether it reflected double standards in the workplace.One user commented, “Hindu employees denied the right to wear kumkum/bindi, while hijab is allowed? Double standards must end.” Another user said they would reconsider purchasing from the brand, while others described the alleged rules as “unfair” and “insensitive”.
The controversy soon expanded into a larger conversation about workplace inclusivity, corporate responsibility, and cultural representation.
Peyush Bansal Responds to the Controversy
Amid growing backlash, Peyush Bansal issued a clarification on X, addressing the claims directly and distancing the company from the viral document.He clarified that the document being circulated does not represent Lenskart’s current grooming policy.
Company Says Policy Has Evolved Over Time
Peyush Bansal further explained that the company’s policies have changed over the years and older documents should not be treated as current guidelines.Next Story