Supreme Court Intervenes to Secure IIT Seat for Dalit Student After Fee Hurdle

New Delhi: An 18-year-old Dalit student from Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar, celebrated a significant victory after the Supreme Court directed IIT Dhanbad to admit him to its electrical engineering programme.

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, exercised its extraordinary powers to ensure the student’s rightful seat, which he almost lost due to financial constraints.

The student, Atul Kumar, who belongs to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family, had successfully cleared the prestigious Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) but could not arrange the ₹ 17,500 admission fee in time. His father, a daily-wage labourer earning ₹ 450 per day, struggled to gather the amount, despite help from local villagers. This delay almost cost Atul his hard-earned seat.

Determined not to let his efforts go in vain, Atul sought help from the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, which offered no assistance. He then approached the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority, but was advised to move to the Madras High Court, as IIT Madras conducted the JEE this year. Ultimately, the matter reached the Supreme Court, where Atul finally found relief.

The Supreme Court, citing Atul’s exceptional merit, ruled that his seat should not be forfeited due to financial difficulties. “He is a Dalit boy being made to run from pillar to post. We cannot let such talent be wasted,” said Chief Justice Chandrachud. The court invoked Article 142 of the Constitution, directing IIT Dhanbad to admit him without disturbing any other student, by creating a supernumerary seat.

Elated by the decision, Atul expressed his gratitude and relief. “The court said my seat couldn’t be taken away due to financial problems. I’m very happy and will now focus on becoming an electrical engineer,” he said.