Bihar Becomes the First State in India to Ban Covered Faces in Jewelry Shops

In a historic move, Bihar has become the first state in India to impose a ban on wearing hijabs, niqabs, veils, or helmets inside jewelry shops. This decision, aimed at enhancing security, was taken by the All India Jewelers and Gold Federation (AIJGF) and will come into effect across the state on January 8, 2026.

Ban on Covered Faces in Jewelry Stores

The new rule prohibits anyone from entering jewelry shops in Bihar with their faces covered. This includes individuals wearing hijabs, niqabs, veils, or helmets. Ashok Kumar Verma, the President of AIJGF Bihar, confirmed the decision and clarified that it is not directed against any religion, tradition, or personal belief. He emphasized that the move was strictly taken with security concerns in mind. As per the new rule, any customer attempting to enter a jewelry shop with a covered face will be denied entry and will not be allowed to make any purchases.

A Step Towards Enhancing Security

The decision comes in response to several incidents of robberies and loot in Bihar’s jewelry markets. It has been observed that criminals often enter jewelry stores disguised with full helmets, niqabs, or veils, traveling in groups of three to four people. The covering of their faces makes it difficult for CCTV cameras to capture their identities, posing significant challenges during investigations.

Jewelry Stores: A Growing Target for Criminals

The federation pointed out that the increasing value of gold and silver has made jewelry stores even more attractive targets for criminals. Currently, the price of 10 grams of gold is approximately ₹1,40,000, while the price of one kilogram of silver is about ₹2,50,000. These high prices make jewelry stores lucrative targets for robberies and loot.

Support from Jewelers Across Bihar

According to a news portal, jewelry store owners in Bihar have expressed their full support for the new rule. They believe that this measure will help reduce incidents of theft, robbery, and looting, and assist the police in identifying suspects more easily. The federation has also appealed to customers to cooperate with the new security protocol and ensure they enter jewelry stores with their faces uncovered.