Gold Jewellery: No entry into the jewellery shop if you come with a burqa or mask… Do you know this new rule?

Gold Jewellery | Jewelry shop owners have taken a crucial decision to protect their businesses. They have decided not to allow entry to people wearing burqas, masks, and helmets into jewelry shops. Find out why.

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The local unit of Uttar Pradesh Jewellers Association (UPJA) in Varanasi has banned the sale of bangles to customers wearing burqa, mask, veil and helmet due to security concerns. The decision was taken in view of the recent incidents of thefts and frauds by people wearing face coverings. There have been reports of thefts and frauds in several districts.

UPJA district president Kamal Singh said, “We are taking this step only for security. We will not sell jewellery to a person who has covered his face. If someone commits a crime with his face covered, it will be difficult to establish his identity.” Posters were also put up in front of the shop. They said that people wearing masks, burqas, helmets and veils are prohibited from entering the shop. The association is not targeting any community. “If a person wearing a hijab comes into the shop, his face should be visible, then the jeweller will be safe,” he said.

UPJA state president Satyanarayana Seth said similar notices have been put up in front of shops in several districts including Jhansi, and there are thousands of shops in Varanasi alone. “The problems are increasing due to people wearing face coverings. This is not against any real religion. It is only for the safety of jewellers,” he said. “Muslim customers can wear burqa, but they have to remove it before entering the shop, then their identity can be verified,” he said.

But the decision has drawn some criticism from businesses. Shahid, a shopkeeper in Lohta, said, “Refusing entry to customers wearing burqas is detrimental to business and reputation. Asking women to remove their burqas is humiliating.” Burglaries involving burqas are rare, he said, adding, “If there is a female employee in the shop, she can see their face. But a male employee should not remove the burqa to see a woman’s face, that is not right.”

Government advocate Rana Sanjeev Singh said the association’s decision was not illegal. “Recent incidents have come to light on social media and in the media. Women wearing burqas were caught on CCTV while stealing. Everyone has the right to security, there is nothing wrong with that,” he said. The decision has sparked a wide-ranging debate in the state on the balance between security, religious sensitivities and the rights of customers.

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