Summary
- The Karnataka High Court has affirmed that the right to be recognized by one's name is a civil right, allowing suits for name changes in civil courts under Section 9 of the CPC.
- The ruling came in a case where a minor girl's appeal to change her name from "Lakshmi N." to "Veena N." was initially dismissed by a trial court.
- The Court emphasized that school authorities lack the power to alter student names and that a civil court decree is necessary for such changes, referencing a Government of Karnataka circular.
- This landmark decision underscores the importance of personal identity and could pave the way for similar cases regarding name recognition rights in India.
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