The Supreme Court of India has directed the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dhanbad to grant admission to 18-year-old Atul Kumar, a gifted Dalit student from Uttar Pradesh, who had missed the deadline to pay his admission fees. This ruling comes as a major relief for Atul, who hails from a below poverty line (BPL) family and had secured admission to the prestigious Electrical Engineering B-Tech course.
Atul had successfully qualified for admission but was unable to pay the ₹17,500 acceptance fee by the deadline of June 24, 2024, due to financial constraints. Despite his family's efforts to raise the funds, their attempts to get assistance from various authorities, including the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the Madras High Court, proved futile.
The court, invoking Article 142 of the Constitution, ensured that justice was delivered, using its extraordinary powers to protect the rights of marginalised individuals. Article 142 grants the Supreme Court the authority to pass any order necessary to do complete justice in any case before it, which was crucial in Atul's case.
The court’s decision is a testament to its commitment to social justice and equality. By ordering IIT Dhanbad to complete the admission process, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed the importance of supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds. This ruling also serves as a reminder of the critical role that education plays in breaking the cycle of poverty and uplifting marginalised communities.
Atul’s case drew attention to the challenges faced by students from economically disadvantaged sections of society, even after clearing competitive entrance exams. His family’s inability to meet the financial requirements underscored the barriers that prevent many talented students from accessing higher education.
This decision by the Supreme Court offers a glimmer of hope for other students from similar socio-economic backgrounds. It highlights the judiciary’s role in upholding the principles of equality and ensuring that deserving individuals are not denied opportunities due to financial hardships.
Atul’s story is not just about one student’s fight for education; it is a reflection of the ongoing struggle for access to quality education for marginalised communities across India. The court’s ruling has not only ensured Atul’s future at IIT Dhanbad but has also set a precedent for other institutions to adopt a more compassionate approach when dealing with students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
As Atul prepares to begin his academic journey, his story serves as an inspiration to countless underprivileged students, showing that despite challenges, hope, perseverance, and timely intervention can pave the way for a brighter future.
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