Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Bihar Jewellers Ban Sales to Covered-Face Customers
Jewellers in Bihar, India, have decided not to sell jewellery to customers who cover their faces.
This includes people wearing hijabs, niqabs, masks, or helmets.
The reason is to stop thefts.
Sometimes, robbers wear masks to hide their faces.
By asking customers to show their faces, jewellers can identify them.
This also helps the police if there is a theft.
There have been big thefts in Bihar recently, so jewellers want to be careful.
Some people think this is unfair and hurts religious feelings, but the jewellers say it is for everyone's safety and not targeted at any specific community.
Jewellers in Bihar will not sell to customers with covered faces, including hijabs or masks.
Decision made by the All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation (AIJGF) Bihar unit.
Reason cited is security and safety due to recent thefts by masked robbers.
Recent thefts include Rs 25 crore in Bhojpur (March 2023) and a robbery in Siwan (November 2023).
Move aims to help police identify customers through CCTV footage if needed.
- Who
- Jewellers in Bihar, led by the AIJGF Bihar unit
- What
- Decision not to sell jewellery to customers with covered faces
- When
- Decision announced on January 7, 2024
- Where
- Bihar, India
- Why
- To prevent thefts and ensure the safety of jewellers and customers
RJD's View
Jewellers' View
Constitutionality and Religious Freedom
RJD's View
The move is unconstitutional and hurts religious sentiments, curtailing the fundamental right to religious freedom.
Jewellers' View
The decision is purely based on security concerns and not targeted at any specific community.
Motivation Behind the Decision
RJD's View
Accuses BJP and RSS members of promoting an agenda to target hijabs and niqabs.
Jewellers' View
The decision is aimed at preventing thefts and ensuring the safety of jewellers and customers.
Implementation and Enforcement
RJD's View
Urges the shop owners to immediately withdraw the decision to maintain India's secular fabric.
Jewellers' View
The rule applies equally to all customers, and no one will be forcibly asked to remove their hijab or burqa.
- Location
- Bihar, India
- Organization
- All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation (AIJGF) Bihar unit
- Reason
- Security and safety concerns
- Recent Thefts
- Rs 25 crore in Bhojpur (March 2023), Siwan (November 2023)
- Decision Maker
- Ashok Kumar Verma (AIJGF Bihar unit president)
- Gold Price
- Rs 1.40 lakh for 10 grams
- Silver Price
- Rs 2.5 lakh for 1 kilogram
- Police Involvement
- Patna City Central Superintendent of Police raised no objections
Sources
Bihar: Jewellers not to sell ornaments to customers with their faces covered
Bihar jewellery shops’ bar on entry with hijab, niqab, helmets sparks political row
RJD Condemns Bihar Jewellery Shop Owners 'Restricting' Customers With Hijabs
Bihar jewellers ban purchase of gold for customers with veils or masks
