The Supreme Court and Its Extraordinary Power: Case of Atul Kumar at IIT Dhanbad
H1: The Supreme Court and Its Extraordinary Power: Case of Atul Kumar at IIT Dhanbad
H2: Introduction to the Story
Once upon a time in the small town of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, a young and ambitious boy named Atul Kumar lived. Atul belonged to a Dalit family struggling to make ends meet. Atul's father, Rajendra Kumar, worked as a daily wage laborer, earning Rs. 450 a day to support his family. Despite their financial hardships, Atul had one dream—to attend one of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
H2: Atul Kumar's Academic Journey
After months of intense preparation, Atul cleared the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and secured a seat in Electronics Engineering at IIT Dhanbad. This was a moment of great celebration for the family. However, one unexpected challenge loomed—Atul needed to pay an admission fee of Rs. 17,500 by June 24 to secure his seat.
H2: The Technical Glitch
Despite the family's dire situation, Atul's father managed to gather the money just before the deadline. However, due to a technical glitch on the payment portal, Atul was unable to submit the fee in time. This unexpected glitch turned their joy into despair, and Atul’s hopes of attending IIT seemed to vanish.
H2: Seeking Legal Help
Determined to fight for his education, Atul sought legal help. His case made its way through various channels until it reached the Supreme Court of India. A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud took up his plea. During the hearing, it was revealed that Atul had attempted to pay the fee just before the deadline but technical issues had prevented the payment from going through.
H2: The Supreme Court's Decision
Seeing the injustice of denying Atul admission due to a technical glitch rather than any fault of his own, the Court decided to act. The justices decided to exercise their extraordinary power under Article 142 of the Constitution, which allows the Court to provide complete justice in cases where regular legal provisions may fall short. Using this power, the Supreme Court ordered IIT Dhanbad to admit Atul, ensuring that he would not lose his well-deserved seat due to a technical glitch. Additionally, the Court directed that a supernumerary seat be created for Atul, meaning that his admission would not displace any other student. The Court also guaranteed that Atul would receive all the benefits of a regular student, including hostel accommodation.
H2: Atul's Relief and the Broader Implications
After the ruling, Atul expressed immense relief, stating, "My life is now back on track." This decision not only saved Atul's academic future but also underscored the Supreme Court's commitment to justice, especially for students from marginalized communities who face additional barriers in their pursuit of education.
H2: Conclusion
The case of Atul Kumar at IIT Dhanbad serves as a powerful reminder of the Supreme Court's role in upholding justice and ensuring that no student is denied an opportunity based on technical or administrative errors. It also highlights the importance of the Supreme Court's extraordinary powers in addressing systemic issues that affect marginalized communities.