'All the best! ...': SC orders IIT Dhanbad to admit Dalit youth who lost seat over Rs 17K fees

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court used extraordinary power on Monday and directed IIT Dhanbad to grant admission to a Dalit youth who lost his seat after missing the deadline to deposit fees.
The court was hearing the case of an 18-year-old student Atul Kumar who lost his hard-earned seat in IIT Dhanbad after he narrowly missed the deadline to deposit Rs 17,500 as an acceptance fee after clearing the prestigious exam in his last attempt.
The Supreme Court exercised its power under Article 142 and directed that the petitioner, who cracked IIT Dhanbad but could not get admission since he missed the fee payment deadline, must be granted admission to the institute.
The Supreme Court said, "A talented student like the petitioner who belongs to a marginalised group should not be left out for admission. The log-in details indicate that he was diligent to log into the portal ... there was no considerable reason why the petitioner would have done so if he didn't have the fees to pay ... we are of the view that a talented student should not be left in the lurch. We direct that admission be granted to IIT Dhanbad."
The court further noted that the last date to deposit fees was till 5pm on June 24.
"The parents arranged the funds by 4.45pm, the petitioner states he was logged in at 4.45 pm at the portal, the portal was closed at 5 and payment was not processed," the SC observed.
The top court also observed that the petitioner was allotted a seat in IIT Dhanbad and that this was his last chance to secure admission, since only two attempts are permissible.
The top court further stated that the petitioner was a "bright student" and "the only thing that stopped him was Rs 17,500".
"He should be admitted in the same batch ... a supernumerary seat be created for petitioner, no existing student shall be disturbed in the process," the SC directed.
As the hearing concluded, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud told the petitioner: "All the best! acha kariye (do well)!"
After the hearing, petitioner, Atul Kumar said, "My life is now back on track...The CJI did great, he said that financial constraints should not pose a hurdle in one's progress. He said that I have a bright future and it should not be impacted."