Bihar jewellery shops deny entry to people wearing hijab, burqa, mask

Jewellery shops across Bihar will now deny entry to customers whose faces are fully or partially covered, including those wearing hijabs, niqabs, burqas, masks or helmets. The decision, taken on the directions of the All India Jewellers and Gold Federation (AIJGF), has been cited as a security measure amid rising incidents of theft and robbery at jewellery stores.

The rule will come into force statewide from January 8. Shop owners have already put up “No Entry” notices outside their stores. Posters carrying the warning were visible outside jewellery shops in Patna on Wednesday.

According to traders,



jewellery stores have increasingly become targets of theft and robbery, especially amid soaring gold and silver prices. “The decision is purely about safety, of the shop, staff and customers,” said a trader, adding that entry will be allowed only after customers uncover their faces.

The restriction applies equally to men and women, shop associations clarified. “If a customer keeps their face covered, no purchase or sale will be permitted,” a notice reads.

Jewellers say the policy will be reviewed periodically, but for now, uncovering one’s face will be mandatory to enter jewellery stores in Bihar.