"All the best! Achha kariye...": Supreme Court Secures IIT Dhanbad Admission for Dalit Student

The Supreme Court on Monday delivered a life-changing verdict for 18-year-old Atul Kumar, allowing him to secure admission to the electronics engineering program at IIT-Dhanbad. Atul, who comes from a marginalized community in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, had faced the prospect of losing his seat after missing a fee payment deadline by just a few minutes.

A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, recognized Atul’s potential and the hardships he endured due to financial constraints. The court used its special powers under Article 142 to ensure that Atul's future was not jeopardized over a fee of ₹17,500. “A talented student like the petitioner... cannot be left in the lurch,” the bench stated.

Atul’s journey to this moment was fraught with challenges. His family, struggling financially, had pooled together funds by borrowing from neighbors to cover the admission fee. However, the online portal logged him out just before he could complete the payment. In court, IIT counsel argued that Atul had been inactive on the site for two hours, but the bench dismissed this claim, emphasizing the real issue: “The boy simply did not have the money in time. If he had ₹17,500, why would he not pay?”

“Some places, teachers help; some places, judges help,” said CJI Chandrachud. The bench also suggested that a new seat could be created to accommodate Atul without disturbing the current batch. After the verdict, CJI Chandrachud directly addressed Atul, wishing him, “All the best! Achha kariye (Do well).”

The 18-year-old expressed his gratitude, recognizing that the ruling had not only salvaged his academic future but also lifted his family’s hopes. Atul's legal journey began with an appeal to the Jharkhand High Court and then to the Supreme Court, where he found urgency and compassion. His lawyers, Amol Chitale and Pragya Baghel, referenced a similar case from 2021 where another Dalit student was granted admission after missing a payment deadline.

“The decision is a lifeline for Atul and his family,” Chitale stated. Atul's father, a part-time tailor and daily wage laborer, had always prioritized education despite their financial struggles. With two brothers already studying in prestigious institutions, the family had pinned their hopes on Atul's success. “Our dream train was off the track for some time... but now it is back on track,”said Atul.​