MUMBAI: rumours take off, Indigo is trying to bring the narrative back down to earth. IndiGo has denied allegations that it restricts employees from wearing religious markers such as sindoor and tilak, calling documents circulating on social media “incorrect and fabricated”. The controversy erupted after screenshots purportedly from the airline’s grooming handbook surfaced on X, suggesting a ban on items like tilak, sindoor, mangalsutra and kalawa, while allowing markers such as hijabs and turbans. The posts quickly triggered widespread debate on workplace inclusivity and uniform policies.
Responding to the claims, Indigo said the documents being shared are not authentic and urged the public to avoid circulating unverified information. The airline added that its grooming and operational policies are aligned with global aviation standards, with safety and passenger well-being as primary considerations.
It also reiterated its commitment to maintaining an inclusive workplace, emphasising that employee welfare and operational safety remain central to its approach.
The episode comes amid a broader, ongoing debate around dress codes and religious expression in corporate India. Earlier this month, Lenskart faced similar scrutiny after a viral internal style guide suggested restrictions on certain religious symbols. The company later clarified that the document was outdated, with founder Peyush Bansal issuing an apology and introducing a revised policy explicitly welcoming all expressions of faith across its more than 2,400 stores.
Taken together, the incidents underscore a growing sensitivity around how companies frame workplace norms especially as employees and consumers increasingly expect clarity, inclusivity and consistency.
For IndiGo, the message is straightforward,, the policy hasn’t changed but the conversation around it certainly has.
