SC Directs IIT To Admit Poor Dalit Student; 18-Yr-Old Says ‘Train Back On Track’

New Delhi: In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court on Monday used its extraordinary powers to direct IIT Dhanbad to admit Dalit youth Atul Kumar to its electrical engineering course.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said it cannot allow such a talent to be wasted.

“He went to Jharkhand Legal Services Authority. Then he is sent to Chennai legal services and then to the high court. He is a Dalit boy, he is being made to run from pillar to post,” the bench said.

“The only thing that stopped him from paying (admission fee within time to block the seat) was the inability to pay and as the Supreme Court of India, we need to see that,” the Chief Justice said after the petitioner’s counsel submitted that Atul’s father earns Rs 450 daily, hence the “task of arranging 17,500 is a big deal.”

The Supreme Court used its extraordinary powers under Article 142 for admission to be ensured by IIT Dhanbad for Atul in the same batch.

“No existing student be disturbed and let a supernumerary seat be created for the candidate,” the top court said with the Chief Justice wishing the student, “All the best. Achha kariye (do well)!”

As Atul walked out of the Supreme Court, he was all smiles.

“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. The train that had derailed is back on track now,” he said.

“I will work hard and become an electrical engineer from IIT Dhanbad,” he added.

It was a great relief and ‘victory’ for Atul after being made to toil in order to save his hard-earned seat.