Right to Change Name

Recently, in a significant judgment, the High Courts (HC) of Allahabad and Delhi held that the right to change one’s name or surname is a part of the right to life under Article 21.

• The Allahabad HC affirmed the right to choose or change one's name falls under Article 21's umbrella of right to life and personal liberty.
• Citing a Kerala HC ruling (2020), it emphasized name as an aspect of freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)) and Article 21.
• Similarly, the Delhi HC emphasized the "Right to Identity" as inherent to the Right to Life under Article 21.
• Restrictions on ....