In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India used its powers under Article 142 to ensure justice for a Dalit student who nearly missed his admission to IIT Dhanbad due to technical difficulties. The student, who secured an impressive rank of 1455 in JEE Advanced 2024, was denied admission after he failed to submit the required fees by the deadline due to financial constraints and technical issues.
The student’s father, a daily wage laborer earning a mere ₹450 per day, struggled to gather the necessary ₹17,500 for the fees. With the support of his village, he finally managed to collect the amount. However, despite logging into the payment portal just 15 minutes before the 5 PM deadline, the student was unable to complete the transaction due to slow internet and technical glitches. The portal closed before the fee could be processed.
In response to the situation, the student approached the Supreme Court. Chief Justice of India (CJI) acknowledged the student’s efforts and determined that a few minutes’ delay due to technical problems should not deprive a deserving student of his future. In an extraordinary move, the CJI invoked Article 142, which empowers the court to deliver complete justice in situations where the rigid application of the law could result in injustice.
Using this constitutional provision, the Supreme Court ordered that a supernumerary seat be created for the student in IIT Dhanbad, ensuring that no other student would be displaced. The ruling emphasized that justice should not be hindered by procedural delays, especially when it comes to a young student’s future.
This case highlights the importance of flexibility in fee payment systems for students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The Supreme Court’s decision is being seen as a beacon of hope for marginalized communities who face systemic barriers in accessing higher education. The court’s ruling not only secured the student’s future but also opened up a broader discussion on the need for more compassionate policies in educational institutions.
watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/bRM31fybDY4
