Court Orders Admission After Family’s Struggle to Raise Fees Highlights Educational Barriers for Marginalized Communities
Supreme Court orders IIT Dhanbad admission for Dalit student Atul Kumar after financial struggles prevented timely fee payment, highlighting educational barriers for marginalized communities.
In a remarkable turn of events, the Supreme Court of India ordered the admission of a Dalit student to IIT Dhanbad after his family faced significant financial hurdles. Atul Kumar, an 18-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, nearly lost his opportunity to study Electrical Engineering due to the inability of his father, a daily wage laborer, to pay the ₹17,500 acceptance fee on time.
Background of the Case
Atul’s journey to secure his place at IIT Dhanbad was fraught with challenges. His father struggled to gather the necessary funds within the deadline. Despite managing to crowdsource the amount by 4:45 PM on June 24, the deadline for submission, Atul missed out because of a last-minute technical delay in uploading his documents.
For three months, Atul’s father sought assistance from various legal authorities. He visited the SC/ST Commission, the Jharkhand High Court, and the Madras High Court. However, these efforts did not yield results, leading him to take the issue to the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court’s Ruling
On hearing the case, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud expressed deep concern for the young student. “We cannot allow such a young talented boy to go away. He cannot be left in the lurch,” he stated. The Chief Justice emphasized that a talented student from a marginalized community should not be denied his rightful admission due to financial constraints.
The bench made an extraordinary ruling under Article 142 of the Indian Constitution, allowing Atul Kumar to be admitted into the Electrical Engineering BTech course at IIT Dhanbad. The court directed that he be placed in the same batch as if he had paid the fee on time.
A Moment of Joy
Upon receiving the court’s decision, Atul Kumar expressed his elation. “I have been provided with the seat. I am very happy. The court said my seat could not be snatched away solely due to a financial problem,” he said, reflecting on the rollercoaster of emotions he experienced during the ordeal.
Atul’s father, who earns around ₹450 daily, faced immense pressure to secure the fee in a short time. The financial burden of arranging ₹17,500 was daunting for the family. They managed to gather the amount through contributions from villagers, demonstrating the community’s support and solidarity in difficult times.
Educational Barriers for Marginalized Communities
This case highlights the broader issue of educational inequality faced by marginalized communities in India. Many students from low-income backgrounds struggle to meet even the basic financial requirements for higher education, despite their academic capabilities.
The Supreme Court’s decision to prioritize Atul’s admission serves as a vital reminder of the need for systemic changes in educational policies. It underscores the importance of ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from pursuing their dreams.
Looking Ahead
Atul Kumar is now set to embark on his journey as an IIT student. He aims to work hard and become an electrical engineer, a dream he has held dear. The Supreme Court’s intervention not only changed his life but also served as an example of how legal systems can work to protect the rights of marginalized individuals.
With the decision made, Atul and his family can look forward to a brighter future. As the Chief Justice aptly said, “All the best. Achha kariye (Do well).”
