If You Don’t Wish To Reveal Caste, Your Surname Can Be Changed: Delhi High Court

If You Don’t Wish To Reveal Caste, Your Surname Can Be Changed: Delhi High Court

Regarding the changing of surname, the Delhi High Court made a significant ruling. The court ruled that it is someone’s right not to have their caste revealed.

The Delhi High Court recently made a significant observation about caste name or surname. The court ruled that the freedom from “casteism” is a part of the right to live with dignity.

The High Court also instructed CBSE to comply with the appeal of two brothers who are members of the Scheduled Castes. Actually, on their 10th and 12th grade transcripts, both pupils wish to update the name of their father.

Due to “social stigma,” both brothers had asked to have their father’s last name changed. Justice Mini Pushkarna stated that it is utterly incorrect for CBSE to refuse to make the necessary amendments to the certificate. A person has the right to avoid prejudice by choosing not to identify with a specific caste.

The petitioners have every right to live with an identity that makes them respectable in society, according to the court. According to Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, the right to identify is inextricably linked to the right to life. According to CBSE’s response to the petition, the petitioners’ caste will change as a result of the change of surname, which could be abused.

The Court explicitly noted that the applicants’ caste would not change as a result of the father’s surname changing. They won’t be able to take advantage of any reservations or other benefits that might be restricted to the updated caste/surname. The petitioner brothers said in court that their father changed his last name because to the regular caste violence he experienced.

The judge stated that the petitioner brothers had a right to a respectable identity in society and that, if they had been adversely affected by their surname, they were free to change their names in a way that would give them respect in the social structure. The court has also ruled that CBSE is free to request the supporting paperwork needed for a surname adjustment.