Thane, Sep 11 (PTI) The Thane Zilla Parishad education department has issued a show-cause to a school in Mira Road for a circular advising students not to bring food containing onion, garlic or root vegetables in view of the Jain festival of ‘Paryushan’, an official said on Friday.
The Seven Square School, owned by BJP MLA Narendra Mehta, had issued the circular, which had to be withdrawn amid stringent protests from political parties, who alleged it was an attempt to interfere in the eating habits of students in the guise of religion.
The show-cause notice was issued by Thane Zilla Parishad Secondary Education Officer Devidas Mahajan on the complaint of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
“Enforcing dietary restrictions based on religious observances violates Article 14, which guarantees equality and personal liberty, of the Constitution as well as School Code. Imposing such rules on a multi-faith student body could amount to mental harassment under Sections 13 and 17 of Right to Education (RTE) Act,” the department said.
The school management has been instructed to submit a written reply within two days, it said, adding that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation may result in strict administrative action under RTE Act and the Maharashtra Self-Financed Schools Act. PTI COR BNM
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