Lenskart Rolls Out Inclusive Dress Code Following Employee Complaints Over Workplace Accommodation for Religious Symbols

Lenskart Publishes Revised Style Guide Following Controversy Over Grooming Standards

Eyewear retailer Lenskart has taken steps to address concerns over its grooming standards, publishing an updated in-store style guide that explicitly welcomes religious and cultural markers. The move comes after days of mounting pressure from customers and employees over allegations that the company's policies penalized Hindu religious symbols during store audits.

The company announced that it is standardizing and sharing the document transparently, stating that the guidelines welcome religious and cultural markers including bindi, tilak, sindoor, kalawa, mangalsutra, kada, hijab, and turban. Lenskart framed these symbols as core to the company's identity, emphasizing that they are not exceptions but an integral part of its culture.

According to Lenskart, the company was built in India by Indians for Indians, and its 2,400+ stores are run by people who bring their beliefs, traditions, and identity to work every day. The company acknowledged that earlier workplace communication may have caused hurt and extended an apology to affected team members, pledging that all future policies, training materials, and communications would reflect inclusive values.

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The controversy was triggered when a user on X shared what was described as an internal Lenskart style guide that reportedly permitted black hijabs but made no provision for religious tilak, tikka, or bindi. The backlash intensified as former and current employees came forward with specific accounts of audit-related penalties linked to religious expression.

Former employees, including Harsh Hatekar and Akash Falake, described losing audit points and facing penalties due to their religious expression. Falake alleged that his employment was terminated on the same day he filed a complaint through Maharashtra's Samadhan Portal in February 2026, an outcome he characterized as retaliation.

Founder and CEO Peyush Bansal addressed the matter publicly, describing the circulating document as an outdated internal training file rather than an official HR policy. He acknowledged that it contained an incorrect line regarding bindi and tilak that was removed on February 17, weeks before the issue became public. Bansal reiterated that every tradition and symbol carried by Lenskart's workforce is integral to the company's identity.

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Lenskart has not yet formally responded to the specific allegations raised by individual employees. The company's published style guide now stands as its stated position, with a commitment to ongoing review and fair application.