By Sahil Sharma: A powerful story of hope and justice has emerged from Titora village in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, where celebrations erupted following a crucial intervention by the Supreme Court of India.
The village is alive with joy as news spreads that Atul Kumar, an 18-year-old Dalit youth, has regained his seat at IIT Dhanbad. Atul had lost his place in the prestigious institution after missing a deadline to pay the required fee. But the Supreme Court, invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, stepped in to ensure justice was served.
Atul’s journey has been one of perseverance. Coming from a below-poverty-line family, where his father earns a living as a daily wage laborer, the family struggled to gather the ₹17,500 acceptance fee by the June 24 deadline. Despite their best efforts and seeking help from several organizations, including the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the Jharkhand Legal Services Authority, it was the Supreme Court’s intervention that finally turned the tide.
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and his fellow justices emphasized that talented students like Atul should not be left behind due to financial constraints. Their ruling ensures that Atul will join the same batch he would have if the fee had been paid on time.
This decision not only transforms Atul’s future but also serves as an inspiring beacon of hope for many young students from marginalized communities across India. It highlights the vital importance of access to education for all, irrespective of their financial circumstances.