Bihar Jewelers’ Ban on Jewelry Purchases by Veiled Customers Sparks Controversy

Bihar, India: A decision by jewelers in India’s Bihar state to bar customers covering their faces, including those wearing hijab, niqab, or burqa, from entering jewelry stores has sparked a political and social debate, highlighting the tension between security concerns and religious freedom.

The All India Jewellers & Gold Federation (AIGJF) stated that the move was taken purely due to security reasons. According to the federation, any customer—male or female—who covers their face with a scarf, burqa, niqab, or helmet will be required to reveal their face for identification before making a purchase.

However, the move has faced strong criticism from political quarters. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) spokesperson Ijaz Ahmed condemned the decision as unconstitutional, claiming it targets religious freedom under the guise of security and hurts the religious sentiments of Muslims. He alleged that the decision reflects the agenda of the BJP and RSS and demanded that the AIGJF immediately revoke the order.

State president of the Bihar Jewellers Federation, Ashok Kumar Verma, clarified that Bihar is the first state in India to implement this rule across the region. He explained that the step was prompted by rising gold and silver prices and recent incidents of theft, and is solely for security purposes. Verma emphasized that the ban is not directed against any particular religion and applies equally to both men and women. Store staff will politely request cooperation from customers, and no force will be used. The police have also expressed support for the measure.

The decision has once again reignited the debate in Bihar over balancing security needs with religious freedoms, while drawing reactions from political circles across the state.