“In A Democracy, Free Expression Of One’s Name In The Manner He Prefers Is A Facet Of Individual Right,” The Kerala High Court Stated In Its Order.

In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has held that expression of one’s name in the manner one wishes is a fundamental right enshrined under Article (19)(1)(a) of the Constitution.The observation was made by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, in a writ petition filed by a young girl, seeking a direction to the CBSE to allow her application for change in name.”Name is an expression of one’s individuality, one’s identity and one’s uniqueness. Name is the manner in which an individual expresses himself to the world at large. It is the foundation on which he moves around in a civil society. In a democracy, free expression of one’s name in the manner he prefers is a facet of individual right,” the court stated in its order.