A private school in Kalyan, Maharashtra, has been served with an official notice from the local civic body. The notice comes after allegations that the school prohibited students from displaying religious and cultural symbols, according to an official statement released on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
The controversy ignited when several parents voiced strong objections, claiming that students were forbidden from wearing traditional marks like ’tilak’ or ‘tikli’ (bindi) on their foreheads, as well as bangles and sacred ‘rakhi’ threads.
Disturbingly, parents further alleged that ’tilak’ applied by some students was forcibly removed, and children faced threats of disciplinary action. There were even claims of physical reprimand against students.
These serious concerns were brought to the attention of the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation’s (KDMC) education department by local political party workers, acting on behalf of the aggrieved parents.
In response, the KDMC’s education department dispatched a notice to the school administration on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The notice demands a clear explanation for these restrictive policies and the reported punitive measures taken against students.
An official from the department expressed hope for a swift resolution: "Immediately after receiving the parents’ complaint, the department took action and sent a notice to the school. We anticipate resolving this matter promptly. There’s no need to escalate the situation further; the issue will be settled amicably between the parents and the school management."
The school management, in its defense, issued a statement upholding its commitment to secular values, academic excellence, and ensuring student safety. They clarified, "The school has not issued any fatwa," and reiterated that "top priority is given to the safety of the students." The statement concluded by emphasizing the institution’s ongoing efforts to foster "harmony among the school, students, parents, teachers, and management."