Lenskart Amends Uniform Policy to Permit Hindu Religious Symbols Following Intense Public Backlash
Following a viral #BoycottLenskart movement in mid-April 2026, Lenskart CEO Peyush Bansal has apologized and updated the company uniform policy. The move comes after a leaked February guide prohibited Hindu symbols like the bindi and tilak while allowing other religious attire. The new professional guidelines now explicitly welcome all cultural accessories, including the bindi, tilak, mangalsutra, and kalawa.
The revelation of this perceived religious disparity triggered immediate and tangible repercussions for the eyewear retail giant. Beyond the digital surge of the #BoycottLenskart movement, the company faced significant offline protests where activists entered retail locations to physically apply tilak to employees in defiance of the standing orders. The escalation prompted a swift executive response to mitigate the burgeoning administrative and reputational damage. On April 15, CEO Peyush Bansal issued a formal apology, characterizing the leaked document as outdated and misaligned with the company's current values.
In a definitive move to resolve the conflict, Lenskart issued a revised uniform guide that explicitly welcomes all cultural and religious accessories. The new policy mandates that the bindi, tilak, mangalsutra, kalawa, hijab, and turban are all permitted attire for staff members. This reversal underscores the significant impact of consumer-driven activism on corporate governance and highlights the sensitive intersection of professional branding and cultural expression in the modern Indian marketplace.

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