Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 30 July 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Petitioner (identified as XXXX), a student of Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) at Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur); Respondents: IIT Kharagpur, IIT Delhi, IIT Roorkee.
- Background: The petitioner began B.Arch. studies at IIT Kharagpur in July 2023. He suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), diagnosed after admission and confirmed through multiple consultations, including a re‑assessment at PGIMER Chandigarh. Treatment requires Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (RTMS) therapy, which is affordable only at AIIMS Delhi.
- Transfer Request: In November 2023, the petitioner applied for an inter‑IIT transfer to IIT Delhi, seeking placement in a B.Tech. programme or the branch of the lowest‑ranked JEE Advanced student. IIT Delhi rejected the request on 13 February 2024 on four grounds: insufficient JEE rank, curriculum differences, non‑equivalency of B.Arch. and B.Tech., and inapplicability of transfer rules to architecture students.
- Legal Journey: The petitioner approached Delhi and Calcutta High Court Legal Services Committees, both declined jurisdiction. NALSA forwarded the matter to the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee in April 2025. The Supreme Court issued notice on 26 September 2025 and, on 15 July 2026, observed that a medical‑ground transfer to IIT Delhi was not feasible due to curriculum differences, suggesting IIT Roorkee as an alternative.
- Medical Evaluation: The petitioner was directed to appear before AIIMS Delhi on 20 July 2026. A Medical Board constituted by the Director of AIIMS submitted its report on 23 July 2026, concluding that the petitioner is suffering from recurrent depressive disorder, is currently asymptomatic, and is maintaining well on medication.
- Counsel Arguments: IIT Roorkee counsel argued that any relief would require the petitioner to join the first year/semester of the B.Arch. programme, and that the order should not set a precedent for IIT Roorkee. The petitioner’s senior counsel, Ms. Shoba Gupta, agreed to the first‑year admission and urged the Court to exercise its powers under Article 142 to grant relief.
Final Outcome
- The Court directed IIT Kharagpur (Respondent No. 1) to issue the necessary transfer/migration certificate and all original documents within one week from the order date, noting that the academic year commenced on 17 July 2026.
- IIT Roorkee (Respondent No. 2) shall admit the petitioner immediately upon receipt of the migration certificate and related documents.
- The petitioner must comply with all fee structures and other payments applicable to IIT Roorkee.
- The writ petition stands disposed, and all pending applications are also disposed.
Topics: Education Transfer, Medical Accommodation