Karnataka High Court Allows Minor’s Name Change for Personal and Astrological Reasons

The Karnataka High Court allowed a minor girl’s request to change her name from Lakshmi to Veena, reversing a civil court’s refusal.

Background

Her parents sought the change for personal beliefs connected with astrology and numerology. The trial court had demanded documents showing that the new name was already correct.

Legal issue

The High Court distinguished a request to change a name from a request to correct an erroneous existing entry.

Court’s approach

Justice Hanchate Sanjeevkumar held that recognition by one’s chosen name is a civil right and that a declaration suit is maintainable. No competing rights or identifiable harm were shown.

What follows

The girl can obtain recognition of the new name under the decree. The decision does not eliminate lawful identity-verification requirements.