In April 2026, Lenskart, a leading Indian eyewear company, suddenly found itself at the center of a major controversy. The matter involved the company's alleged internal grooming policy, which raised questions about employees' religious symbols. As the issue went viral on social media, protests erupted, and #BoycottLenskart began trending.
What was the whole controversy?
The controversy began when an old dress code guideline surfaced. It claimed that certain religious symbols, such as bindis and tilaks, were prohibited, while others were permitted. This perceived discrepancy sparked outrage, with many users criticizing the company, linking it to religious sentiments.
CEO's statement and company's U-turn
After the controversy escalated, Peyush Bansal came forward and apologized, clarifying his position. The company clarified that it does not support any form of discrimination. New guidelines were immediately issued, allowing all employees to wear symbols of their religious identity.
According to the new policy, employees can now wear traditional symbols like bindi, tilak, hijab, kada, turban, and sindoor. The company also said that this policy will apply to all of its more than 2,400 stores.
The impact of social media and the economic shock
The social media protest campaign also impacted the company's financial performance. According to reports, the company's shares fell by 3 to 5 percent due to the controversy, reducing its total valuation by thousands of crores of rupees.
This incident shows how big the influence of social media has become in today's times, where public opinion is formed rapidly on any issue and companies have to respond immediately.
Protests in Surat
The controversy wasn't confined to online. Several organizations in Surat protested against the company. The protesters alleged that employees were pressured to remove religious symbols. This incident further fueled the controversy.
A technology leader, but a company mired in controversy
Interestingly, the company recently made a major move in the technology space. In December 2025, it announced plans to launch AI-powered smartglasses in collaboration with Google, featuring features like voice commands and UPI payments.
The Lenskart controversy highlights the challenge of balancing corporate policies and cultural sensitivity. The company swiftly responded by adjusting its policy, but the incident highlights the importance of brand caution regarding religious and cultural issues in a country as diverse as India.
