The Karnataka High Court allowed a minor girl’s name change based on astrological and numerological beliefs, affirming that the right to be recognized by a chosen name is a civil right enforceable in court.
Right to Name Change Recognized by Karnataka HC
The Karnataka High Court has set aside a civil court’s refusal to permit a minor girl’s name change sought by her family on astrological and numerological grounds. Justice Hanchate Sanjeevkumar held that every individual has a civil right to be recognized by a name of their choosing, and such requests can be entertained by civil courts.
Citing personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution, the Court observed that names are integral to identity and dignity. The judgment emphasized that while the state maintains official records, citizens retain autonomy over personal choices, including naming, provided there is no fraudulent intent or legal impediment.
"Every person in society is necessarily to be recognized by his/her name. It is a civil right of every citizen in India,"
the Court stated, reinforcing the liberal stance on self-identification.
The ruling provides clarity for practitioners handling name change petitions. It legitimizes non-secular motivations—such as astrology or numerology—as valid grounds, so long as procedural requirements (affidavit, gazette notification) are met. This may encourage similar petitions and reduce judicial resistance to culturally grounded name modifications, particularly within family and personal law matters.
