Lenskart Faces Backlash Over Viral Grooming Policy: What You Need to Know

New Delhi, April 18, 2026: In recent days, the eyewear retailer Lenskart has found itself at the center of a significant social media firestorm. A leaked internal document, purportedly outlining the company’s grooming and dress code guidelines, has triggered widespread public outrage and intense calls for a boycott. As the debate intensifies, here is a breakdown of the situation, the company’s response, and the broader context of this ongoing controversy.

The Origin of the Controversy

The controversy began when images of an internal “Staff Uniform and Grooming Guide” started circulating rapidly across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). The viral document, which appeared to be an internal training manual, drew sharp criticism for its perceived bias regarding religious symbols.

According to the screenshots shared by various social media users, the policy document explicitly restricted employees from wearing certain Hindu cultural and religious markers, such as the bindi, tilak, and kalawa (sacred thread). Simultaneously, the document appeared to permit other forms of religious expression, including the hijab for women and black turbans for men.

The asymmetry in these guidelines—allowing certain religious attire while banning others—struck a nerve with a large segment of the public. Critics argued that in a country like India, where these symbols are deeply rooted in daily life and cultural identity, such a policy felt exclusionary and discriminatory toward the majority community.

The Public Outrage and Boycott Calls

The reaction online was swift and severe. Under the hashtag #BoycottLenskart, thousands of users expressed their frustration, questioning the rationale behind a policy that appeared to prioritize certain expressions of faith over others.

For many, the bindi, sindoor, and kalawa are not merely fashion choices but significant markers of identity, tradition, and personal belief. The restriction of these items in a corporate setting was interpreted by many as an attempt to “sanitize” the workplace of indigenous cultural markers. As outrage mounted, several influencers, commentators, and everyday consumers vowed to stop purchasing from the brand, leading to significant pressure on the company to provide an explanation.

CEO Peyush Bansal’s Response

As the situation escalated, Lenskart’s founder and CEO, Peyush Bansal, took to social media to address the backlash. Bansal issued a public clarification, aiming to quell the rising anger.

In his statement, Bansal acknowledged that the document circulating online was genuine but clarified that it was an outdated internal training document and not the company’s active human resources policy. He stated that the problematic section, which contained the restrictions on religious symbols, had been identified and removed by the company as early as February 17, 2026—well before the issue became a public conversation.

Bansal’s statement read, in part:

“The document currently circulating is an outdated internal training document. It is not an HR policy. That said, it contained an incorrect line about bindi/tilak that should never have been written and does not reflect our values or actual practice. As Founder and CEO, the responsibility for such lapses is mine.”

He further emphasized that Lenskart has no restrictions on any form of religious expression, including bindi and tilak, and that the company is committed to reviewing its guidelines to ensure they align with the values of inclusivity and respect.

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The Aftermath and Ongoing Debate

Despite the CEO’s apology and explanation, the controversy has not fully subsided. A significant portion of the public remains skeptical, questioning how such a policy was drafted and implemented in the first place, even if it was “outdated.”

Critics are asking for transparency, requesting that the company release its current, updated grooming policy to clear any lingering doubts. The incident has reignited a larger conversation about corporate sensitivity in India. Many are using this moment to debate the balance between maintaining a professional corporate appearance and respecting the diverse cultural and religious identities of employees.

For now, Lenskart remains under the spotlight. While the company maintains that the policy is not in effect and does not reflect their current culture, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of social media to hold large corporations accountable and the high sensitivity surrounding religious and cultural expression in the public sphere.

As the situation continues to unfold, consumers are waiting to see if this clarification will be enough to restore trust or if the calls for a boycott will leave a lasting impact on the brand’s reputation.