October 1, 2024: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India intervened on behalf of a Dalit student, Atul Kumar, who was denied admission to IIT Dhanbad after failing to pay his fees on time. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud issued a stern directive to the prestigious institution, highlighting the systemic challenges faced by economically disadvantaged students.

Atul Kumar, 18, hailing from Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, had successfully cleared the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) in his final attempt, securing a coveted spot in the Electronics Engineering program at IIT Dhanbad. However, he missed the fee payment deadline of June 24, leading to the cancellation of his candidature.

Kumar's father, a daily wage laborer earning approximately Rs 450 per day, struggled to gather the requisite Rs 17,500. The family sought assistance from their local community, with Kumar’s lawyer emphasizing the difficulty of the situation: "The task of arranging Rs 17,500 is a big deal. He (father) collected the money from villagers."

Following unsuccessful attempts to seek justice in both the Jharkhand High Court and the Madras High Court, Kumar escalated the matter to the Supreme Court. During the proceedings, CJI Chandrachud expressed frustration with both the institution and the broader judicial system. "We cannot allow such a young talented boy to go away," he stated, underscoring the injustice of making a Dalit student "run from pillar to post."

The Chief Justice further remarked, "He is such a bright student. The only thing that stopped him was Rs 17,000. No child should be left like this just because he doesn't have fees of Rs 17,000."

The Supreme Court's intervention not only paves the way for Kumar's admission but also serves as a critical reminder of the obstacles faced by marginalized communities in accessing quality education.