Lenskart has come under scrutiny following the circulation of an internal ‘Lenskart Staff Uniform and Grooming Guide’ document that sparked debate over workplace policies and religious expression.
The controversy began after, reportedly outlining employee dress code guidelines, went viral on social media. The document suggested that certain religious symbols such as ‘bindi’, ‘tilak’ and ‘kalawa’ were not permitted, while allowing items like ‘black hijabs’ and ‘turbans’ under specified conditions.
The perceived inconsistency led to widespread criticism online, with users questioning the company’s approach to religious neutrality and inclusivity in workplace guidelines. The issue gained traction quickly, with several users calling for clarification and transparency around the company’s policies.
In response, founder and CEO Peyush Bansal stated that in circulation does not reflect the company’s current policy. He described it as an outdated internal training document and clarified that the company does not restrict any form of religious expression, including bindi or tilak.
Bansal further acknowledged that the document contained incorrect references and said it had been removed earlier. He added that Lenskart’s policies have evolved over time and are regularly reviewed to align with the company’s values and workplace practices.
I have listened to your concerns and I understand your sentiment around this. I want to add more context to my earlier post.
The document currently circulating is an outdated internal training document. It is not an HR policy.
That said, it contained an incorrect line about…
— Peyush Bansal (@peyushbansal) April 16, 2026
Despite the clarification, discussions around the issue have continued online, with some users questioning the timeline of the document and seeking greater clarity on current guidelines. X users criticised Lenskart and its founder for “lying”, claiming that the document circulating online was issued in February 2026.
Now that it has come to your attention, who have you Fired?
We don’t want your empty assurances & apology, we want accountability.
Give us the names of people responsible and the ones you FIRED! pic.twitter.com/ZHfWNRdlmy— Nikhil Jha (@nikhilxverse) April 16, 2026
Saying that the document is “old” doesn’t address why such a guideline existed in the first place. Outdated doesn’t mean acceptable. The real question is how did something like this get written, approved, and used in training at any point in time?
— Adarsh Jha (@AdarshJha30) April 16, 2026
Dude just upload the latest version. You are contradicting you own statements. 1st you said it incorrect next you said it’s older version now you are saying it’s outdated training doc and not hr policy. What are you talking??? Its hr who prepares the grooming guide right, it will…
— Ram (@iRamkat) April 16, 2026
You have lost over your organization and now came up with a bunch of excuses, how on the earth would you give green corridor for one religious belief and block the other?
Hiding behind “outdated document” feels like a convenient escape rather than a real explanation. The mistake…
— Bharat Rises (@BharatRises) April 16, 2026
