Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Thane School Accused of Fining Students Over Methi Tiffins
A private school in Bhayandar is accused of fining students who brought lunch containing methi, or fenugreek.
The alleged fine was Rs 50.
The incident happened during Paryushan, an important Jain festival.
Some people observing Paryushan avoid leafy vegetables and root vegetables.
The school allegedly stopped some students from eating this food in their lunchboxes.
It reportedly told them to buy food from the school canteen for Rs 20.
Parents and people online questioned whether students should be made to follow a religious diet.
Officials have asked the school to explain what happened, but the school has not yet responded.
A private school in Bhayandar allegedly fined students Rs 50 for bringing home-cooked fenugreek, or methi, during Paryushan.
Students were reportedly stopped from eating meals containing methi and similar vegetables at school.
The school allegedly directed those students to its canteen, charging Rs 20 per student.
Parents’ allegations triggered social-media criticism over schools imposing religious dietary practices on students.
The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation’s education department issued the school a notice seeking clarification; the school has not responded.
- Who
- Students, parents, a private school in Bhayandar, and the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation’s education department.
- What
- The school allegedly fined students Rs 50 for bringing home-cooked methi and directed them to a canteen meal costing Rs 20.
- When
- During the recent Jain festival of Paryushan.
- Where
- A private school in Bhayandar, in Maharashtra’s Thane district.
- Why
- The alleged restriction was linked to dietary practices observed by some people during Paryushan; the school’s explanation is not yet available.
Dietary Choice and School Limits
Religious Dietary Observance
Whether students should be restricted
Dietary Choice and School Limits
Parents and social-media users questioned whether a school can dictate students’ everyday food choices or require them to follow a particular religious diet.
Religious Dietary Observance
The alleged restriction was associated with Paryushan practices, during which many adherents avoid leafy greens and root vegetables; the school has not publicly explained its position.
How the incident should be addressed
Dietary Choice and School Limits
Those raising the allegations sought accountability after students were reportedly fined or directed to buy canteen food.
Religious Dietary Observance
The school has been given an opportunity to clarify the allegations through the civic education department’s notice.
- Alleged fine
- Rs 50 for bringing home-cooked food containing fenugreek, or methi.
- Canteen charge
- Rs 20 per student, according to the allegations.
- Festival
- Paryushan Parv, a major Jain festival involving fasting and spiritual reflection.
- Alleged restriction
- Students were reportedly prevented from eating methi and similar vegetables at school.
- Authority action
- The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation’s education department issued a notice seeking clarification.
- School response
- The school had not responded to the allegations when the reports were published.
