Kerala High Court Asks Legislature to Reconsider DNA Requirement for Correcting Father's Name

The Kerala High Court asked the legislature to reconsider statutory requirements that can compel a DNA report, notarised agreement and court order when correcting a father's name in a birth record even where paternity is undisputed.

Background and legal issue

The Kerala High Court asked the legislature to reconsider statutory requirements that can compel a DNA report, notarised agreement and court order when correcting a father's name in a birth record even where paternity is undisputed. Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan questioned why a child should undergo the trauma of DNA testing merely to correct an erroneous parental entry. The Court stressed that children should not suffer because of circumstances surrounding their birth and suggested legislative reconsideration of Section 15 of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act and Rule 11 of the 1999 Rules. The ruling highlights dignity and practical access to accurate identity records.

Legal significance

The legal effect is confined to the judgment, order or procedural development reported here. Allegations and submissions are not treated as established facts unless expressly decided.

What follows

The parties, authorities or court will proceed according to the operative position described above.