A 12‑year‑old from Tapovan School in Bhayandar East was fined Rs 20 after the school banned fenugreek in his tiffin on 16 September 2024.
The diary entry left by school officials read, "Fenugreek is a banned vegetable," and the child was denied his homemade lunch.
The ban stems from the school’s attempt to adhere to dietary restrictions observed during the Jain festival of Paryushan, where root vegetables and certain legumes are traditionally avoided.
Earlier this year, the same institution slapped Rs 50 fines on students for bringing onions, potatoes, ginger, beetroot and carrots, prompting a complaint from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.
Sulbha Vathare, Education Officer of the Mira‑Bhayandar Municipal Corporation, issued the show‑cause notice on 17 September, demanding an explanation for the punitive measures.
The student’s mother, who has been a regular donor to the school’s community kitchen, says her son was shocked to be penalised for a simple snack he had prepared.
The school has yet to release an official statement; a hearing is scheduled for 24 September, after which the municipal body will decide whether to impose further sanctions.