Can I Change My Name in India If I Don't Like It?

Can I Change My Name in India If I Don't Like It?
4 min read

Changing one's name is a significant decision, and it can be influenced by various factors. People may want to change their name for various reasons, including personal, religious, cultural, or social reasons. In India, changing one's name is a legal process, and it is governed by the law of the land. In this article, we will explore whether you can change your name in India and the process involved in it.

The legal provisions for changing the name in India

The procedure for changing the name in India is governed by the Indian constitution and the state laws. According to the Indian Constitution, every citizen has the right to change their name, and it is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. However, the name change process is not straightforward, and it involves following specific legal procedures.

Under the law, an individual can change their name by executing a deed poll, which is a legal document that declares the intention of the individual to change their name. This document needs to be signed in the presence of two witnesses, and it should be registered with the local Registrar of Deeds. The registration of the deed poll is essential as it provides legal validity to the name change.

Reasons for changing the name

People have various reasons for changing their name, and it is a personal decision that should be taken after careful consideration. Some of the common reasons for changing the name include:

  1. Cultural or religious reasons: Some people may change their name due to cultural or religious reasons. For example, a person who converts to Islam may want to change their name to a Muslim name.
  2. Marriage: After marriage, some women may want to change their name to their husband's name, and this is a common practice in India.
  3. Divorce: After divorce, some women may want to change their name to their maiden name.
  4. Personal preference: Sometimes, people may not like their name or may find it difficult to pronounce, and they may want to change it to a name that they prefer.

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The process of changing the name

The process of changing the name in India involves following specific legal procedures, and it can take some time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to change your name in India:

  1. Draft a deed poll: The first step is to draft a deed poll, which is a legal document that declares your intention to change your name. The deed poll should include your old name, new name, reason for the name change, and a declaration that you will be using the new name henceforth.
  2. Get it notarized: Once you have drafted the deed poll, you need to get it notarized by a notary public. The notary public will verify your identity and witness the signing of the deed poll.
  3. Publish the change of name in a newspaper: After getting the deed poll notarized, you need to publish the change of name in a newspaper. The publication should be done in at least two newspapers, one in English and one in the local language. This step is essential as it serves as a public announcement of your name change.
  4. Submit the documents to the Registrar of Deeds: Once you have published the name change in the newspapers, you need to submit the original deed poll and the newspaper clippings to the local Registrar of Deeds. The Registrar of Deeds will verify the documents and issue a certificate of registration.
  5. Update your name in government documents: After getting the name change certificate of registration, you need to update your name in all the government documents such as Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, PAN card, etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, changing your name in India is possible, and it is a legal process that involves following specific procedures. While changing your name, it is important to consider the reasons carefully and ensure that the new name is not offensive or misleading. It is advisable to seek legal advice if you have any doubts or questions regarding the name change process.

 

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