Indian Students Prevail in US Food Odor Case

• Urmi & Aditya sued over Indian food smell, alleging bias at university.
• Settlement reached: $200K plus master's degrees awarded to the couple.
• Couple barred from future enrollment or work at the University.

In a remarkable case that resonated globally, Urmi Bhattacheryya and Aditya Prakash triumphed over what they perceived as cultural prejudice. Their battle, ignited by objections to the aroma of their Indian cuisine, led to a substantial settlement and a renewed discussion on cultural acceptance. This article delves into the specifics of their case.

The Pungent Smell

The crux of the matter revolved around the smell of Indian food. Urmi Bhattacheryya highlighted the fight as a matter of principle, a stand for her right to enjoy her preferred cuisine. She expressed the impact of the dispute on her health and self-esteem, stating a refusal to be subdued by injustices. This defiance proved pivotal in shaping the course of events. Aditya Prakash echoed this sentiment, questioning why their food choices were being targeted.

Filing the Lawsuit

The couple took legal action in the US District Court for Colorado, arguing that the negative reaction to the food's smell indicated deeper, systemic bias. They asserted that the conditions created had a detrimental impact on their academic pursuits. Aditya Prakash emphasized the importance of context, pointing out the absurdity of facing discrimination based on food preferences, likening it to being racially profiled for consuming broccoli. Urmi Bhattacheryya's teaching assistant position was subsequently terminated without any explanation.

Dismissal and Degrees

The university's actions extended beyond the initial complaints. The department allegedly withheld their master's degrees, which PhD candidates usually receive before completing their doctorates. Aditya Prakash passionately defended his food, asserting that perceptions of pleasant and unpleasant smells are culturally influenced. A facilities staff member attempted to justify the objection by including broccoli as a restricted item due to its strong odor, which further demonstrated the irrational nature of the complaint. The couple’s perspective and their approach to the scenario received support from other students as well.

Settlement and Outcome

In September 2025, the university agreed to a settlement. The students were awarded $200,000 and the promised master’s degrees. As part of the settlement, however, they were barred from re-enrolling or working at the university in the future. Aditya Prakash later recounted the incident, emphasizing the objections to the smell. He had been asked not to use the microwave for his food, leading to an argument about space access and the validity of different olfactory preferences. A female staff member had initially raised the issue, which then escalated into legal proceedings and changed their immediate future.