Case Note & Summary
The petitioner, Atul Kumar, a meritorious student belonging to the Scheduled Caste category, appeared for the JEE (Advanced) 2024 Examination and secured a rank of 1455 in his category. He was allotted a seat at IIT Dhanbad for a four-year Bachelor of Technology course in Electrical Engineering. This was his second and last attempt. His father is a daily wager, and the family income is below the poverty line. The deadline for online reporting, including fee payment and document upload, was 5 pm on 24 June 2024. The petitioner's parents arranged the fees, which were deposited in his brother's account by 4:45 pm. The petitioner logged into the portal at 4:45 pm, applied in the 'float category', and uploaded documents. However, the portal closed at 5 pm, and his payment was not processed. He emailed the first respondent and received a response redirecting him to IIT Madras, but his attempts were unsuccessful. He approached the Jharkhand High Court Legal Aid Service Committee, was directed to the Madras High Court Legal Services Committee, and filed a writ petition before the Madras High Court, which advised him to approach the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court noted that there was no dispute about the allotment, his SC status, and his steps to comply with formalities. The Court observed from the log-in details that the petitioner logged in six times between 15:12 and 16:57 hours on 24 June 2024, indicating earnest efforts. The Court held that a talented student from a marginalized background should not be left in the lurch due to a technical glitch. Exercising power under Article 142, the Court directed that the petitioner be granted admission to IIT Dhanbad in Electrical Engineering, with a supernumerary seat created if necessary, and no existing student disturbed. The petitioner is to pay Rs 17,500 fees at the time of admission and is entitled to all consequential benefits including hostel accommodation. The Court also requested the Director of IIT Dhanbad to ensure the petitioner can complete the coursework for the elapsed period.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Article 142 - Complete Justice - Technical Glitch in Fee Payment - The Supreme Court exercised its power under Article 142 to direct admission of a meritorious SC student who made diligent efforts to pay fees and upload documents within the deadline but could not due to a technical glitch. The Court held that the student should not suffer for no fault of his and ordered creation of a supernumerary seat if necessary. (Paras 6-7) B) Education Law - Admission - Technical Glitch - Diligent Efforts - The Court noted that the petitioner logged in six times on the last day and did everything within his power. The Court held that a talented student from a marginalized background should not be left in the lurch due to a technical issue. (Paras 5-6) C) Constitutional Law - Article 142 - Supernumerary Seat - The Court directed that a supernumerary seat be created for the petitioner if required, and no existing student shall be disturbed. The petitioner is entitled to all consequential benefits including hostel accommodation. (Para 7)
Issue of Consideration
Whether a meritorious Scheduled Caste student who made earnest efforts to pay fees and upload documents within the deadline but failed due to a technical glitch should be granted admission under Article 142 of the Constitution.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court allowed the petition and directed that the petitioner be granted admission to IIT Dhanbad in Electrical Engineering. A supernumerary seat shall be created if required, and no existing student shall be disturbed. The petitioner shall pay Rs 17,500 fees at the time of admission and is entitled to all consequential benefits including hostel accommodation. The Director of IIT Dhanbad is requested to ensure the petitioner can complete the coursework for the elapsed period.
Law Points
- Article 142 of the Constitution
- power to do complete justice
- technical glitch in fee payment
- earnest efforts by student
- no fault of student
- supernumerary seat creation
