In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court asked IIT Dhanbad to grant admissions to Dalits, setting a precedent for ensuring justice in cases of missed deadlines. The court, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, intervened on behalf of a Dalit youth, Atul Kumar, who had lost his seat at IIT Dhanbad after missing the deadline to pay the admission fees by just a few minutes. The decision underscores the Supreme Court’s commitment to supporting students from marginalized communities in their pursuit of education.
Background of the Case
Atul Kumar, a talented student from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family, had secured a seat in the prestigious Electrical Engineering program at IIT Dhanbad. However, his admission was jeopardized after he missed the deadline to deposit the required Rs 17,500 fee by just a few minutes. Kumar, the son of a daily wage laborer from a village in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, had faced significant financial hardships. Despite repeated reminders sent by the IIT Seat Allocation Authority through SMS and WhatsApp, his family was unable to deposit the fee on time due to the constraints they were facing.
Kumar approached several authorities, including the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the Jharkhand Legal Services Authority, but was unable to secure any relief. Eventually, the case reached the Supreme Court, where it gained significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding his missed deadline.
Supreme Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court, recognizing the potential injustice in denying a promising student the opportunity to study due to financial difficulties, asked IIT Dhanbad to grant admissions to Dalits in such cases. The court used Article 142 of the Constitution, which allows the judiciary to pass any order necessary to do complete justice in a case, to ensure that Atul Kumar would be admitted to the Electrical Engineering course.
In its ruling, the court emphasized that a talented student like Kumar, who belongs to a marginalized section of society, should not be left “in the lurch.” Chief Justice Chandrachud personally addressed Kumar, wishing him luck and encouraging him to perform well in his studies. “All the best! Acha kariye! (do well),” the CJI said during the court hearing.
IIT’s Opposition
Despite the Supreme Court’s directive, the counsel for the IIT Seat Allocation Authority initially opposed the decision, arguing that Kumar had received multiple notifications and reminders. They presented evidence that the student had logged into the admission portal at 3 pm on the day of the deadline, indicating that it was not a last-minute issue. However, the court remained firm in its decision, stressing that financial and social challenges often prevent students from marginalized backgrounds from meeting stringent deadlines.
The bench further urged the counsel to consider the unique circumstances surrounding Kumar’s case, noting that he is a son of a daily wage laborer and belongs to a BPL family. The court highlighted the importance of supporting such students, particularly those from the Dalit community, who often face additional barriers in accessing higher education.
Celebrations in Atul Kumar’s Village
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, celebrations erupted in Kumar’s home village of Titora, located in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. Kumar’s mother, Rash Devi, expressed immense joy over the court’s decision. “We are very happy that the Supreme Court directed the institute to give admission to my son,” she said, adding that the family had faced numerous challenges in trying to secure his seat.
Kumar’s brother, Amit, also expressed his happiness, stating that the family had been anxiously waiting for the court’s decision. The ruling has brought hope not only to Kumar’s family but also to countless students from marginalized communities who face similar challenges in accessing education.
A Broader Implication for Marginalized Students
The Supreme Court’s decision to ask IIT Dhanbad to grant admissions to Dalits in such cases is seen as a landmark moment for promoting inclusivity in higher education. By intervening on behalf of a student from a marginalized community, the court has set an important precedent for educational institutions to consider the socio-economic barriers that students from disadvantaged backgrounds face.
This ruling comes at a time when access to higher education for Dalits and other marginalized groups remains a critical issue in India. Many students from these communities face significant challenges, including financial hardship, lack of resources, and systemic discrimination. By ensuring that Kumar could retain his seat at IIT Dhanbad, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of all students, regardless of their background.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision to ask IIT Dhanbad to grant admissions to Dalits like Atul Kumar is a victory for marginalized communities in India. It underscores the importance of ensuring that talented students are not denied opportunities due to financial or social constraints. The case serves as a reminder of the role the judiciary can play in safeguarding the rights of underprivileged students, and it will likely have a lasting impact on the country’s educational system.
With the court’s intervention, Atul Kumar can now pursue his dreams of becoming an engineer, setting an example for many other students from similar backgrounds.
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