Lenskart's Style Guide Sparks Controversy Over Cultural Sensitivity

Lenskart Founder Responds to Allegations of Religious Discrimination

Peyush Bansal, the founder of Lenskart, has denied allegations that the eyewear company restricts certain religious symbols, such as a bindi, a tilak, or a kalawa, while allowing employees to wear a hijab and a turban. The controversy erupted after a document titled “Lenskart Staff Uniform and Grooming Guide” began circulating online, sparking a debate over alleged religious discrimination.

The document, which allegedly outlines the company's staff uniform and grooming policy, stated that store employees are permitted to wear a black-coloured hijab and black turbans, but prohibits the wearing of religious symbols such as a bindi and tilak. However, Bansal has clarified that the document is an outdated internal training document and is not an HR policy. He stated that the company's policy has no restrictions on any form of religious expression, including bindi and tilak, and that the company continues to review its guidelines regularly.

According to Bansal, the document currently circulating is an outdated internal training document that was removed on 17 February 2026, well before the controversy became public. He apologized for the confusion and concern caused by the situation and implied that the company's policy has evolved over the years.

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Despite Bansal's clarification, netizens continued to criticize Lenskart and its founder, claiming that the document circulating online was issued in February 2026 and that the company's explanation makes no sense. They demanded that the current guidelines be shared and questioned why such a restriction would exist in the first place, even in older versions.

Bansal's clarification has sparked a heated debate online, with many users calling for greater transparency and accountability from the company. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Lenskart will address the concerns of its customers and employees.