Supreme Court Intervenes to Secure IIT Seat for Talented Dalit Youth

The Supreme Court of India ordered IIT Dhanbad to admit Atul Kumar, a Dalit youth from a below poverty line family, to its BTech course after he missed the fee deadline. The court used its extraordinary powers under Article 142, emphasizing his talent and marginalized background.

The Supreme Court of India has intervened to secure an IIT seat for Atul Kumar, a Dalit youth who missed the deadline to deposit fees. The court has ordered IIT Dhanbad to admit him to its Electrical Engineering BTech course.

Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, alongside Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, emphasized the need to support talented students from marginalized backgrounds. The court invoked Article 142 of the Constitution, which allows it to pass necessary orders for justice.

Atul Kumar, 18, is the son of a daily wager and comes from a below poverty line family in Titora village, Uttar Pradesh. Despite approaching several authorities, including the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the Madras High Court, his efforts were initially unsuccessful. The Supreme Court's order now ensures his admission to IIT Dhanbad.

(With inputs from agencies.)