The ongoing controversy surrounding Lenskart, an eyewear brand, has intensified following the release of its internal grooming code. This document sparked significant outrage as it allegedly did not permit employees to wear a bindi and tilak at work while allowing the wearing of hijab. The viral nature of the leaked document has caused public criticism and calls for a boycott of the brand, with many labelling it as “anti-Hindu”.

Lenskart’s founder and CEO, Peyush Bansal, offered two clarifications regarding the grooming policy. Initially, he described the document as “inaccurate” and not representative of the current guidelines of the organisation. On April 16, he reiterated that the leaked material was an “outdated training note” and not part of the company’s formal human resources policy. He acknowledged the misstatement concerning bindi and tilak, which he mentioned had been subsequently expunged.

Despite these clarifications, public sentiment has remained largely negative, with activists and journalists questioning the credibility of the statements made by Bansal. Reports from social media platforms indicate a rising wave of dissatisfaction and demands for accountability from both Lenskart and its CEO.

Public Reactions and Social Media Backlash

The disclosures and clarifications from Lenskart’s management have led to a surge in calls for an organised boycott of the brand. A notable incident involved a social media user posting a video where they destructively disposed of their Lenskart eyewear, underscoring the public’s anger. Various voices online have pushed for an absolute boycott, labelling the company’s policies as discriminatory against Hindu symbols.

Further adding to the outcry, Indian Navy veteran Harinder Sikka described Lenskart’s actions as discriminatory and disrespectful to legal standards. The discontent has spread across various forums where individuals express regret over their associations with Lenskart, amplifying calls to abandon the brand entirely in light of its contentious policies.

Lenskart’s Dress Code and CEO’s Responses

The internal dress code document of Lenskart specified various details regarding employee appearance. It instructed that a bindi be prohibited, while allowing hijab under specific conditions. The document’s stipulations have raised questions around the underlying rationale for seemingly unequal treatment of different religious markers.

In subsequent statements on social media platforms, Bansal reiterated that the grooming code does not impose restrictions on any forms of religious expression, including bindi and tilak. He acknowledged the erroneous inclusion of such restrictions in the outdated document and took responsibility for the oversight, asserting that the line had been removed once it was identified.

The clarification has failed to quell the angry discourse, with many still sceptical about the actual practices within the company. Critics maintain that the purported policy might still influence employee evaluations, raising concerns over its enforcement on the ground.

Despite Bansal’s efforts to clarify the company’s stance, the controversy remains unresolved, with ongoing demands for comprehensive action and official apologies from Lenskart. The situation surrounding Lenskart illustrates a broader disconnect between company policy and public sentiment, and signs suggest that the debate around the issue is far from over.

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