IndiGo has issued a strong rebuttal following social media outrage over a leaked “grooming handbook” that allegedly banned traditional Indian religious symbols. The airline clarified on Saturday, April 25, 2026, that the documents circulating online are inauthentic and do not reflect the company’s actual policies.
The Controversy: What Went Viral
The backlash began after screenshots surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) appearing to show IndiGo’s official grooming guidelines for cabin crew and pilots. The controversial documents allegedly:
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Prohibited: Tilak, sindoor, mangalsutra, and kalawa (religious threads).
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Permitted: Hijab and turbans.
IndiGo’s spokesperson formally addressed the reports, stating, “The documents circulating are incorrect… We request everyone to exercise caution and refrain from sharing unverified or fabricated documents.”
Corporate Commitment to Inclusivity
In its official statement, IndiGo emphasized that its grooming standards are designed to align with “global best practices” with a focus on operational safety and crew well-being. The airline reiterated its commitment to an inclusive workplace and urged the public not to fall for misinformation.
A Growing Debate: Lenskart and Air India
The IndiGo row is part of a larger, ongoing national debate regarding workplace dress codes and religious expression in India:
1. The Lenskart Precedent
Earlier this month, eyewear giant Lenskart faced similar heat for a “style guide” that reportedly restricted bindis and tilaks.
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The Response: CEO Peyush Bansal issued a public apology, calling the document an “outdated training note.”
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The Fix: Lenskart has since released a revised policy that “explicitly and unambiguously” welcomes all symbols of faith.
2. Air India Under Scrutiny
National carrier Air India has also faced criticism for alleged internal handbooks that reportedly object to sindoor, choora, mangalsutra, and even nose pins. According to viral posts, the airline allows only plain gold bangles, citing uniform aesthetics and safety.
Key Takeaways for Employees & Customers
| Issue | Status | IndiGo’s Stance |
| Banning Sindoor/Tilak | Denied | Reports are “fabricated” and “incorrect.” |
| Grooming Objective | Safety | Policies focus on “safety of operations.” |
| Inclusivity | Committed | Remains “firmly committed” to an inclusive workplace. |
As of now, the airline maintains that no such discriminatory policy exists, labeling the digital outrage as a product of misinformation.
IndiGo has issued a strong rebuttal following social media outrage over a leaked “grooming handbook” that allegedly banned traditional Indian religious symbols. The airline clarified on Saturday, April 25, 2026, that the documents circulating online are inauthentic and do not reflect the company’s actual policies.
The Controversy: What Went Viral
The backlash began after screenshots surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) appearing to show IndiGo’s official grooming guidelines for cabin crew and pilots. The controversial documents allegedly:
-
Prohibited: Tilak, sindoor, mangalsutra, and kalawa (religious threads).
-
Permitted: Hijab and turbans.
IndiGo’s spokesperson formally addressed the reports, stating, “The documents circulating are incorrect… We request everyone to exercise caution and refrain from sharing unverified or fabricated documents.”
Corporate Commitment to Inclusivity
In its official statement, IndiGo emphasized that its grooming standards are designed to align with “global best practices” with a focus on operational safety and crew well-being. The airline reiterated its commitment to an inclusive workplace and urged the public not to fall for misinformation.
A Growing Debate: Lenskart and Air India
The IndiGo row is part of a larger, ongoing national debate regarding workplace dress codes and religious expression in India:
1. The Lenskart Precedent
Earlier this month, eyewear giant Lenskart faced similar heat for a “style guide” that reportedly restricted bindis and tilaks.
-
The Response: CEO Peyush Bansal issued a public apology, calling the document an “outdated training note.”
-
The Fix: Lenskart has since released a revised policy that “explicitly and unambiguously” welcomes all symbols of faith.
2. Air India Under Scrutiny
National carrier Air India has also faced criticism for alleged internal handbooks that reportedly object to sindoor, choora, mangalsutra, and even nose pins. According to viral posts, the airline allows only plain gold bangles, citing uniform aesthetics and safety.
Key Takeaways for Employees & Customers
| Issue | Status | IndiGo’s Stance |
| Banning Sindoor/Tilak | Denied | Reports are “fabricated” and “incorrect.” |
| Grooming Objective | Safety | Policies focus on “safety of operations.” |
| Inclusivity | Committed | Remains “firmly committed” to an inclusive workplace. |
As of now, the airline maintains that no such discriminatory policy exists, labeling the digital outrage as a product of misinformation.
