Lenskart’s Peyush Bansal Admits Language Lapse in Grooming Policy; Denies Restricting Religious Symbols A screenshot of an internal Lenskart grooming policy that circulated online sparked controversy over alleged restrictions on religious symbols. Lenskart founder Peyush Bansal addressed the issue on social media, clarifying that the document in question did not reflect the company’s current guidelines. He emphasized that employees are permitted to wear religious symbols such as bindis, tilak, and other culturally significant items. Bansal acknowledged a lapse in language within an older version of the policy, which was updated in February 2026 before the controversy arose. The disputed document, which had circulated on social media, reportedly listed restrictions on religious expressions like bindis, tilak, and burkhas, while also mentioning rules for turbans, hijabs, tattoos, hairbands, and caps. However, Bansal stated that the policy’s intent was never to suppress religious expression. He admitted that the language in the older version was outdated and did not align with Lenskart’s values, which prioritize cultural inclusivity. “An older version of our grooming policy had language that didn’t reflect our values. When it came to my notice in February this year, we got it fixed immediately, much before this conversation,” he wrote in a now-deleted social media post. Bansal apologized for the confusion and concern caused by the situation, noting that the company regularly reviews its guidelines to ensure they remain aligned with its mission. He reiterated that Lenskart’s policies do not restrict any form of religious expression, including bindis and tilak, and that the company’s identity is deeply rooted in India’s cultural and religious diversity. “We continue to review our guidelines regularly.#social_media #lenskart #peyush_bansal #grooming_policy #religious_symbols
Lenskart Founder Clarifies Controversy Over Religious Symbols in Employee Guidelines A social media controversy erupted after a viral post claimed Lenskart’s internal style guide prohibited Hindu religious symbols like bindi and tilak while allowing the hijab. The alleged policy sparked widespread backlash, with users accusing the eyewear company of discriminatory practices. Founder Peyush Bansal swiftly addressed the claims, stating the document in question was outdated and did not reflect the company’s current policies. The controversy began when a screenshot circulated online, purportedly from Lenskart’s employee guidelines, suggested the company permitted the hijab but restricted Hindu symbols such as bindi, tilak, and Kalawa. Writer Shefali Vaidya, a prominent social media figure, shared the screenshot and questioned the alleged policy, highlighting the perceived double standard. She wrote, “This is what @peyushbansal tells his employees: hijab is okay, but bindi/tilak/Kalawa is not, for @Lenskart_com, a company in Hindu-majority Bharat.” Her post ignited debates about workplace inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Online reactions were sharply divided. Some users condemned the alleged policy as discriminatory, arguing it unfairly targeted Hindu employees. One user criticized the policy, stating, “Hindu employees denied the right to wear kumkum/bindi, while hijab is allowed? Double standards must end.” Another user vowed to boycott Lenskart, saying, “I will never buy glasses from Lenskart… this anti-Hindu establishment.” Others called the situation “stupidity” and accused the company of undermining cultural sentiments. In response, Bansal clarified on X that the circulated document was inaccurate and did not represent the company’s current guidelines.#lenskart #peyush_bansal #shefali_vaidya #bindi #tilak
