Bihar Restricts Customers With Hijab, Niqab From Purchasing Gold Over Security Concerns

Last Updated:January 07, 2026, 14:25 IST

Bihar has become the first state to enforce a statewide rule requiring customers to show their faces before entering or purchasing from jewellery shops, citing security concerns.

Women purchase gold ornaments from a jewellery store (File photo: PTI)

Bihar has become the first state in the country to formally implement a statewide restriction on the entry of customers with fully covered faces into jewellery shops, citing growing security concerns amid rising gold and silver prices.

The decision has been taken following directions issued by the All India Jewellers and Gold Federation (AIJGF) and has come into effect across the state.

Under the new rule, jewellery stores will refuse entry and sales to customers whose faces are concealed with items such as hijabs, niqabs, burqas, scarves, helmets, or similar coverings, unless their faces are made visible for identification at the time of purchase.

According to the federation, jewellery purchases will only be permitted after proper facial identification.

Ashok Kumar Verma, State President of the All India Jewellers and Gold Federation, told IANS on Tuesday that Bihar is the first state to formally implement such a rule across all districts.

He emphasised that the decision is purely driven by security considerations and is not targeted at any particular community or religious group.

“Today, the price of 10 grams of gold is around Rs 1.40 lakh, and one kilogram of silver costs about Rs 2.5 lakh," Verma said.

“Several robbery incidents have occurred where people enter shops in groups with their faces fully covered. They wear helmets or veils and commit thefts. This decision is aimed at preventing such crimes," he added.

He clarified that the federation is not imposing a ban on hijabs or burqas but is requesting customers to briefly show their faces while shopping to establish identity.

Verma added that the rule applies equally to men who cover their faces with scarves or helmets.

“Our intention is not discrimination. When a customer and a shopkeeper interact face-to-face, a sense of trust is established. This rule is for everyone, not any particular community," he said.

Verma further stated that he had discussed the matter with the Patna City Central Superintendent of Police, who reportedly raised no objections to the implementation of the rule.

He also claimed that similar precautionary measures are already being followed in some districts of other states, although Bihar is the first to adopt the practice statewide.

However, the decision has also triggered political controversy in the state.

Reacting sharply, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) state spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed termed the move unconstitutional and against India’s constitutional and secular traditions.

“Targeting hijabs and niqabs in the name of security hurts religious sentiments and amounts to an attempt to curtail the fundamental right to religious freedom guaranteed under the Constitution," Ahmed said.

He further alleged that members of the BJP and RSS were behind such an agenda and accused jewellery shop owners of promoting it.

Ahmed urged the jewellery traders’ body to immediately withdraw the decision, warning that such measures could weaken the constitutional and secular fabric of the country.

Responding to questions about possible protests or confrontation, Verma said there was no scope for controversy or forceful action.

“No staff member will forcibly remove anyone’s hijab or burqa. We will only make a polite request. There is no question of confrontation," he said, reiterating that the federation intends to ensure the safety of customers and shopkeepers alike.

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