Lenskart Faces Backlash Over Reported ‘Anti-Hindu’ Dress Code Guidelines.

Addressing the row, Lenskart co-founder Peyush Bansal tendered an apology through X in a measured manner amid the “Boycott Lenskart” call.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | April 15, 2026:: Lenskart, a prominent Indian eyewear retailer, has come under public scrutiny following the circulation of purported internal dress code guidelines that have sparked debate over workplace policies and religious expression.

The controversy emerged shortly after a separate debate involving what some commentators described as “Corporate Jihad” at TCS in Nashik had subsided, leading to renewed public attention on corporate practices and religious accommodation. In this context, Lenskart, one of the country’s leading eyewear brands, has become the focus of a dispute over a reported dress code for its employees. The company has been accused by some critics of restricting traditional Hindu religious symbols—specifically the bindi, sindoor, and kalava (a sacred thread worn on the wrist)—while permitting the wearing of a hijab.

The issue gained traction after a social media post by Facebook user Sucharita Jenamani, which shared what were described as internal dress code guidelines. The post, available at the provided link, has been widely circulated and has contributed significantly to the public debate. However, the authenticity and context of the document have not been independently verified.

According to the material shared online, the company has introduced a standardized dress code that includes restrictions on certain visible religious and cultural markers. The guidelines reportedly discourage or prohibit the wearing of items such as the bindi and require that sindoor, if worn, remain minimally visible. Employees are also said to be required to remove wrist accessories, including religious threads and wristbands. Additional provisions limit jewelry to small, understated items such as studs.

At the same time, the reported policy appears to allow head coverings such as hijabs and turbans, provided they adhere to specified conditions, including color requirements and visibility of company branding.

The reported guidelines have prompted a wide range of reactions online. Some social media users have questioned whether the policy reflects consistent treatment of different religious practices, while others have called on the company to clarify its position. Critics have characterized the policy as uneven, whereas others have emphasized the need to verify the authenticity and context of the circulating documents.

Some commentators have also linked the controversy to broader business considerations. It is worth noting that Gurgaon based Lenskart is a business enterprise owned by Hindus (according to available information:Peyush Bansal is the primary founder, CEO, and owner of Lenskart, an Indian-based eyewear unicorn company. He co-founded the company in 2010 along with Amit Chaudhary and Sumeet Kapahi.) ; however, it appears to have no qualms about implementing an anti-Hindu dress code. This may be because Lenskart conducts a significant volume of business in the Middle East and other Islamic nations; consequently, a uniform dress code may have been enforced to ensure that no visible Hindu markers might alienate or mislead Muslim customers.

As of now, Lenskart has not issued an official public statement confirming or responding to the specific claims circulating online. It remains unclear whether the guidelines in question represent a newly implemented policy, an internal draft, or a misinterpretation of existing rules.

The situation continues to generate discussion around the balance between corporate dress standards and individual religious expression in the workplace, highlighting an ongoing and complex issue faced by organizations operating in diverse social and cultural environments.

Update: Lenskart Apologizes

Under fire, Lenskart finally apologized to tone down the backlash over its alleged ‘anti-Hindu’ dress code. Addressing the row, Lenskart co-founder Peyush Bansal communicated through X in a measured manner amid the “Boycott Lenskart” call.

In his post, Bansal wrote: “Hi, all. I’ve been seeing an inaccurate policy document going viral about Lenskart. I want to state clearly 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. Our grooming policy has evolved over the years, and outdated versions do not represent who we are today. We apologize for the confusion and concern this situation has caused,” Bansal added.

It is a notable sign that a major company like Lenskart has emphasized that it does not endorse any ‘anti-Hindu’ stance, even in the context of dress codes. The development follows huge protests by a strong sections of the Hindu community against what they perceived as discriminatory practices.

However, netizens and Hindu activists are not satisfied with the clarifications made by Peyush Bansal in a ‘reluctant’ manner.

One user, Shashank Shekhar Jha, wrote on X, “Hi Peyush, come down from your ivory tower. Don’t lie so blatantly. This is from February 2026, where Lenskart has allowed the hijab and turban but has banned the bindi, kalawa, and other Hindu identities.”

Renowned Hindutva activist Shefali Vaidya wrote, “Sorry, this explanation makes no sense. Please point out why the document I have shared is ‘inaccurate.’ It is from February 2026. And if it does not reflect your ‘current guidelines,’ as you say, please share the current guidelines. Also, even if it is an old document, as you claim, why was religious asymmetry acceptable then? What is the logic behind allowing the hijab and a Sikh turban but not allowing the bindi, sindoor, and kalawa in a Hindu-majority country where your customers are mostly Hindus? That’s bullsh!t. Please tell your lawyer to draft a better explanation.”

A further clarification from Peyush Bansal or Lenskart is awaited.

(Updated on 16.04.2026 by Upananda Brahmachari)

…
_Agency Inputs.