Bombay High Court allows student to change name on certificates after 14-year legal battle. The court ruled that while no one can change their name simply because they dislike it, this student’s case was unique. Justices Ashwin Bhobe and Ravindra Ghuge granted permission for the name change despite the education board’s objections.
The student, born to a Hindu father and a Christian mother, had a Hindu name on his birth certificate but a Christian name on his school and board exam certificates. He filed the petition in 2011 while still in school, seeking to have his Hindu name reflected on all educational documents. The discrepancy was causing professional difficulties. The board refused, arguing that granting this request would open the floodgates for hundreds of similar applications.
The court disagreed, noting that the student is now old enough to choose his name and is not responsible for events from his childhood. His birth certificate and school registration listed his religion as Hindu and carried his Hindu name and surname. The court ordered the school and boards for 10th and 12th grades to reissue certificates with his Hindu name.
The boy’s father had converted to Christianity to marry his mother. After their divorce, the Christian name continued appearing on educational certificates. At age 18, he changed his name through official gazette, but educational authorities rejected applications to update certificates. After 14 years, justice prevailed.
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