Facts of the Case

The petitioner, a student, filed a writ petition seeking correction of his mother’s name in his academic records (Class 10^th and 12^th mark sheets). The error occurred because her nickname, “Tina Naruka”, was mistakenly entered instead of her official name, “Asha Naruka”. Supporting documents such as birth certificate, Aadhaar, ration card, and parents’ marriage certificate all reflected the correct name. Despite this, the Board of Secondary Education, Rajasthan, rejected his application due to procedural non-compliance.

Contention of the Petitioner

The petitioner contended that the error was unintentional and requested a correction based on valid public records. He argued that a mother’s name, as a foundational part of one’s identity, deserves accurate representation in official documents. He submitted that the mistake was clerical and not reflective of any factual inconsistency.

Contention of the Respondent

The Board submitted that the petitioner’s application failed to comply with its procedure issued on 26.02.2021. Specifically, it lacked an affidavit verified by the principal or headmaster of the school from which the petitioner graduated. Hence, the application was returned without correction.

Court’s Observation

Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand, drawing from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, emphasized the deep meaning and importance of a person’s name. He stated, “What’s in a name?” is not merely a rhetorical question, but a recognition that names carry the natural characteristics and identity of an individual. A name, the Court noted, is not just a formality—it is the very foundation of legal, social, and emotional identity, and being denied one’s name is akin to being denied personhood.

The Court observed that a mother’s contribution to a child’s life is unparalleled. It remarked, “It is the mother who gives birth to a child; therefore, she has every right to get her name on the academic testimonial of her children.” The Court recognized that a mother fosters a child’s personality, reputation, and empathy, and her name in educational records is not merely a detail but a thread that weaves the child’s identity and sense of belonging.

The judgment criticized the earlier practice of omitting a mother’s name from educational documents, calling it “clearly retrogressive.” It noted that prior to 2001, such exclusion was common, but times have evolved, and so must administrative policies. The inclusion of both parents’ names is now essential not just for accuracy, but for honouring the fundamental role of a mother in shaping a child’s life and identity.

Court’s Order

The Court disposed of the writ petition by granting liberty to the petitioner to submit a fresh application for correction of his mother’s name, this time in compliance with the Board’s prescribed procedure. Specifically, the application must be accompanied by an affidavit verified by the headmaster or principal of the school from which the petitioner passed his Class 10 and 12 examinations. Once such a properly supported application is filed, the Board is directed to make the necessary corrections in the petitioner’s academic certificates and issue updated documents. The entire process must be completed within three months from the date of receipt of the certified copy of the Court’s order.

Credits: Adv. Deeksha Rai