Palak Paneer Discrimination Case Resurfaces and Goes Viral Online
A legal settlement from September 2025 has suddenly captured widespread attention across the internet. The case involves a surprising subject: the smell of palak paneer. This settlement between the University of Colorado Boulder and two Indian PhD candidates has sparked intense debate and viral discussions.
The Core of the Legal Dispute
University of Colorado Boulder agreed to settle a federal lawsuit in September 2025. The university paid $200,000 to resolve allegations made by Indian PhD students Aditya Prakash and Urmi Bhattacharyya. These students claimed they faced discrimination because of South Asian food odors. They also alleged the university created a hostile environment for them.
The entire dispute traces back to a specific incident on September 5, 2023. On that day, Aditya Prakash heated his Indian lunch using university facilities. This routine action led to a confrontation with university staff. The situation escalated from that point forward.
Legal Proceedings and Allegations
Aditya Prakash and Urmi Bhattacharyya formally filed their lawsuit in May 2025. Their legal complaint centered on discrimination against South Asian food smells. They detailed how this discrimination contributed to a hostile academic environment. The couple received backing from twenty-nine of their peers who supported their claims.
The students made additional serious allegations against the university. They accused the institution of retaliating against them after the initial incident. This retaliation allegedly included the loss of teaching positions. The university also reportedly withheld their Master's degrees as part of this retaliation.
Settlement Terms and University Position
The settlement agreement included several specific terms. First, the University of Colorado Boulder paid $200,000 to resolve the case. Second, the university granted the Master's degrees to both students. Third, the settlement barred Prakash and Bhattacharyya from any future association with the university.
Despite agreeing to the settlement, the university maintained its official position. University representatives explicitly denied any liability for the alleged discrimination. They settled the case without admitting fault or wrongdoing.
Viral Reactions and Social Media Debate
News of this settlement has spread rapidly across social media platforms. The unusual nature of the case has generated thousands of comments and shares. People are expressing strong opinions from all perspectives.
One user on platform X commented critically about the settlement. They wrote, "Courts awarded two foreign nationals 200,000 USD because they were offending people at their university by microwaving their food, what a joke." This comment reflects skepticism about the validity of the discrimination claims.
Another user questioned the practical implications of the settlement. They asked, "They don't need future enrolment and employment after winning $200,000?" This question highlights concerns about the long-term consequences for the students involved.
A different user addressed cultural dimensions of the debate. They observed, "Look at the replies saying how they shouldn't have heated up palak paneer in the campus microwave. Basically brown sepoys telling them to swallow systemic racism because now they've 'ruined it for all'." This comment points to internal cultural conflicts within diaspora communities.
The viral discussion continues to evolve as more people discover this unusual case. The settlement raises important questions about cultural accommodation, discrimination definitions, and institutional responsibilities in educational settings.
