CBSE can’t refuse to change names after declaring results: SC

CBSE can’t refuse to change names after declaring results: SC

Dhananjay.Mahapatra@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:04.06.2021 

In an important judgment, the Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the CBSE could not impose a blanket ban on changes in the names of students, parents and other particulars in certificates or mark sheets after declaration of results of board examinations.

The judgment, delivered by a bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar, B R Gavai and Krishna Murari, came on 22 petitions relating to correction or change in name and surname or date of birth of candidates or their parents in the CBSE certificates. Various high courts gave conflicting rulings on this issue.

Justice Khanwilkar said the right to change a name was a constituent element of freedom of expression of identity. “...an individual is not only recognised by how an individual identifies oneself but also by how his or her official records identify. For, in every public transaction of an individual, official records introduce the person by name and other relevant particulars,” he said.

The bench directed the board to take immediate steps to amend its bylaws to allow candidates to change their names or the names of their parents in certificates.

“Illustratively, a juvenile accused of being in conflict with the law or a victim of sexual abuse whose identity gets compromised ... may consider changing the name to seek rehabilitation in society in exercise of her right to be forgotten. If the board, in such a case, refuses to change the name, the student would be compelled to live with the scars of the past,” the bench said.

Times View: There could be several bona fide reasons for which an individual needs a new name. CBSE should facilitate the process, rather than being cussed about it. The SC has rightly made them see the light.