Bihar Jewellers Bar Entry To Burqa, Naqab And Helmet-Clad Customers

Jewellery shops across Bihar have decided to bar the entry of customers whose faces are covered, including those wearing burqas, naqabs, helmets or ghunghats, citing security concerns.

The All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation issued the directive on Wednesday, instructing all jewellery shops in the state to deny entry to customers with covered faces.

Following the order, several shops have pasted notices stating, “Mask, helmet and burqa-clad customers are restricted from entering the shop.”

With this move, Bihar has become the first state to formally implement such a restriction across jewellery outlets. However, similar security measures are reportedly followed in some other states.

Explaining the decision, Ashok Kumar, the Federation’s state president, said the rule applies uniformly to all customers, irrespective of community.

“Jewellers are our members, regardless of religion or background. This decision has been taken purely in view of security concerns so that, in case of a crime, the person involved can be identified immediately,” he asserted.

According to the Federation, there have been several incidents in which criminals looted jewellery shops while concealing their faces. This has made it difficult for CCTV cameras to capture clear footage.

This has created challenges for law enforcement agencies in identifying suspects.

“We are cooperating with the administration. This decision has been taken to assist authorities in maintaining law and order,” Kumar added.

He further noted that the rising prices of gold and silver have heightened security risks.

“With precious metals becoming increasingly expensive, security is paramount. Anyone wearing a helmet, hijab, burqa or muraitha — whether man or woman — will not be allowed to enter jewellery shops,” Kumar emphasised.

Opposition Slams Move and Calls It Divisive

The decision, however, has drawn criticism from the opposition. RJD state spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed alleged that the order targets specific religious sentiments under the pretext of security. He claimed the move was an attempt to curtail fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

Ahmed also accused the BJP and the RSS of promoting a divisive agenda through the trade body. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the directive, stating that it could harm Bihar’s secular fabric.

The order will come into effect from 8 January, after which customers with covered faces will not be permitted to enter jewellery shops in the state.

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