Rs 50 fine for bringing methi in lunchbox at Bhayandar school, students asked to eat canteen food and charged Rs 20 each; civic body issues notice

Tapovan Vidyalaya in Maharashtra’s Bhayandar has come under scrutiny after a person was reportedly fined Rs 50 for bringing fenugreek, or methi, in a school lunch box. The incident reportedly took place during the Jain festival of Paryushan.

Parents Raise Complaints Over Food Restrictions
The issue came to the notice of the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation’s education department after some parents raised complaints about alleged restrictions on food brought by students to the school.


The civic body has issued a notice to the school, seeking an explanation regarding the alleged Rs 50 fine and restrictions reportedly imposed on students’ lunchboxes.

Students Allegedly Stopped From Eating Methi

The school has also been accused of preventing students from eating methi, or fenugreek, and other food prepared using similar vegetables. According to the allegations, students were instead asked to purchase food from the school canteen, where they were reportedly charged Rs 20 per student.

The school has not yet issued a response to the allegations.

Social Media Post Claims Student Was Fined

The incident has also drawn reactions on social media.

In a post on X, user Vijay alleged that a student was fined Rs 50 for bringing a home-cooked lunchbox containing fenugreek vegetable to the school in Bhayandar.

He questioned whether students' basic dietary choices and daily eating habits will be dictated under the guise of religious observances.

What Is Paryushan

Paryushan is an important annual festival observed by the Jain community and is associated with fasting, prayer, spiritual reflection and self-discipline.

During the festival, many Jains follow specific dietary restrictions, which can include avoiding leafy green vegetables and root vegetables. However, the allegations concerning the school’s restrictions and the reported fine have prompted questions from parents and social media users.

The Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation’s education department is seeking a clarification from the school on the allegations. The matter remains under consideration, and the school is yet to respond.

[With inputs from PTI]