Single mother’s child entitled to her name, caste in school: Bombay HC

In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court has affirmed that a child raised solely by her mother is entitled to bear her mother's name and caste in school records, rather than being obliged to adopt the father's surname. This decision arose from a case involving a single mother who sought to have her daughter's identity officially recognized in accordance with her own name and caste, emphasizing the importance of maternal identity in a child's upbringing. The court's judgment underscores the evolving understanding of family dynamics and parental rights in contemporary Indian society, particularly in the context of single-parent families. It is a landmark case that reinforces the notion that a child's identity should reflect the primary caregiver's influence, acknowledging the challenges faced by single mothers in navigating legal and societal norms. This ruling could have broader implications for similar cases, encouraging other single parents to assert their rights regarding their children's names and identities, and potentially influencing future legislation on this issue.