Kerala HC names child after estranged parents fail to arrive at a consensus
PTI, Oct 1, 2023, 4:34 PM IST
The Kerala High Court has named a three-year-old child, after the girl’s estranged parents could not arrive at a consensus on what they should name her.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, in an order issued last month, said the name suggested by the mother, with whom the child is presently residing, has to be given due importance, while the name of the father is also to be incorporated due to the absence of any dispute on paternity.
The matter pertained to an estranged couple fighting over their daughter’s name.
As the birth certificate issued to the girl had no name on it, her mother attempted to register a name. However, the Registrar of births and deaths insisted on the presence of both parents before him to register the name.
As the couple could not arrive at a consensus on the name, the mother approached the High Court.
The child was born on February 12, 2020 and the relationship between the parents turned sour.
The court, in its September 5 order, observed that while invoking its parens patriae jurisdiction, the paramount consideration was the welfare of the child and not the rights of the parents.
”While choosing a name, factors like the welfare of the child, cultural considerations, interests of parents and societal norms can be reckoned by the court. The ultimate objective being the well-being of the child, the court has to adopt a name, taking into consideration the overall circumstances. Thus, this court is compelled to exercise its parens patriae jurisdiction to select a name for the child,” the court said.
Parens patriae is a legal principle which envisages the state or the court in a protective role over its citizens.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
ISRO releases ISSAR 2023 report on vulnerability of space assets to collisions
No CM can remain absent for long, it’s against national interest: Delhi HC on Kejriwal
Court convicts four accused, acquits 10 in 2015 Malvani hooch tragedy
ICG apprehends Indian fishing boat with 173 kg of narcotics; two crew members detained
Ahead of phase 3 polls, Congress and BJP spar in MP over quotas, Muslim appeasement
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
ISRO releases ISSAR 2023 report on vulnerability of space assets to collisions
Hunasagi: MLA Bairati Basavaraj’s car overturned
No CM can remain absent for long, it’s against national interest: Delhi HC on Kejriwal
Cricket for the Blind: A Transformative Journey Empowering Visually Impaired Athletes
China lifts restrictions, gives all clear nod for Tesla cars as Musk lobbies hard in surprise visit to Beijing