Supreme Court Steps in to Secure Admission for Dalit Youth

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India stepped in on Monday to secure admission for Atul Kumar, an 18-year-old Dalit student, into the BTech program at IIT Dhanbad. Kumar lost his seat after failing to deposit the acceptance fee of INR ₹17,500 by the June 24 deadline. The court’s decision highlights its commitment to upholding justice, especially for marginalized communities.

What Was the Court’s Bench Ruling?

A bench consisting of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra invoked Article 142 of the Indian Constitution, which allows the Supreme Court to pass orders in the interest of justice. The judges emphasized that it would be inequitable to allow a deserving student from a marginalized background to lose his opportunity for higher education because of financial constraints.

“We cannot allow such a young talented boy to go away. He cannot be left in the lurch”
The Bench stated

The statement from the bench highlights the court’s recognition of the struggles of students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Who is Atul Kumar?

Atul Kumar hails from Titora village in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, and comes from a below-poverty-line family. His father works as a daily wager, and the family faced challenges in arranging the required fee on time. Although the family managed to gather the funds by 4:45 PM on June 24, the online payment portal closed at 5 PM, which hindered Atul from completing the transaction.

Kumar made every effort to secure his admission, even logging into the portal at the last moment. However, he was unsuccessful. He subsequently sought help from various organizations, including the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the Jharkhand Legal Services Authority before finally appealing to the Supreme Court.

What Was the Court’s Decision?

The Supreme Court’s decision not only restores Kumar’s admission but also underscores a larger concern about educational access for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The court noted that financial limitations should not obstruct a deserving student’s pursuit of education.

The justices noted that Kumar’s situation was especially urgent, as he represented his final chance to secure admission to IIT, considering that candidates are permitted only two attempts at the entrance examination.

The court instructed IIT Dhanbad to establish a supernumerary seat for Kumar, ensuring that no existing student would be displaced as a result of this decision.

Response from Atul Kumar

After the court’s decision, a jubilant Atul expressed his gratitude, stating, “My life is now back on track…”. He further appreciated the Chief Justice and said, “The CJI did great”.

Kumar further valued the Chief Justice’s comments about the importance of not letting financial issues obstruct one’s progress. Kumar’s aspirations for a brighter future in electrical engineering have now been revitalized.

#Congratulations; The Supreme Court has mandated IIT Dhanbad to admit Atul Kumar, a 18-year-old Dalit student who missed the fee payment deadline by minutes. https://t.co/jC6nn6C7O2 pic.twitter.com/laouBTZGoH
— The Dalit Voice (@ambedkariteIND) September 30, 2024

The Supreme Court’s involvement highlights the persistent challenges related to educational equity in India. By prioritizing justice for Atul, the court has not only given hope to him but also sent a message to other students facing similar challenges. As the judicial system continues to address issues of accessibility and equity, the ruling stands as a testament to the importance of supporting talent and ambition, regardless of financial constraints.