The Karnataka High Court has allowed a minor girl to change her name from “Lakshmi N.” to “Veena N.”, holding that a person’s right to be recognised by their name is a civil right. Justice Hanchate Sanjeevkumar set aside the trial court’s refusal and directed that the new name be reflected in the girl’s school records.
Background
The minor girl was originally named Lakshmi N. by her parents at the time of her naming ceremony. Later, her parents, who sought the change on astrological and numerological beliefs, wanted her to be known as Veena N., believing that the new name would bring greater prosperity.
Through her father and natural guardian, the girl approached the civil court seeking a declaration and a direction to change her name in school and other records. The trial court dismissed the suit, observing that no documents established that her name was “Veena N.” and that the parents had not first approached the school for the change.
The matter then reached the High Court in Regular First Appeal No. 703 of 2026. During the appeal, the parents also produced a newspaper public notice concerning the proposed name change.
Justice Hanchate Sanjeevkumar found the trial court’s reasoning unsustainable. The High Court noted that this was not a case of correcting a wrongly recorded name. The girl was seeking to adopt a new name, and therefore there could not have been an earlier document showing that she was already known as “Veena N.”
The Court observed:
“Every person in society is necessarily to be recognized by his/her name. It is a civil right of every citizen in India to be recognized by his/her name. Therefore, for correction or change of name, filing a suit before the Civil Court is maintainable, as it relates to the adjudication of a civil right.”
The Court also noted that there was no objection from anyone to the proposed change and that granting the relief would not cause harm to the defendants or any other person.
The High Court allowed the appeal, set aside the trial court’s judgment and decreed the suit. It declared that the minor was entitled to change her name from “Lakshmi N.” to “Veena N.” and directed the concerned authorities to make the change in all school records.
The Court further declared that the girl would thereafter be recognised as “Veena N., daughter of Ningegowda” for all consequential purposes. No costs were imposed.
