A recent government notification in India has ignited controversy, as it requires women to obtain a no objection certificate (NOC) from their husbands if they wish to legally change their surnames back to their maiden names after marriage. This requirement has been met with criticism from legal experts and activists who argue that it infringes on a woman's right to autonomy and equality.
The contested notification, issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, mandates that women seeking to advertise a change of name in the official gazette must submit either a copy of a divorce decree or an NOC from their spouse [1]. The policy has been challenged in the Delhi High Court, with the petition arguing that it violates Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) of the Indian Constitution [2].
Legal experts contend that the requirement for an NOC is discriminatory and reinforces patriarchal norms. They argue that a woman's right to change her name is a fundamental aspect of her personal liberty and should not be contingent upon her husband's consent [3]. The outcome of the legal challenge is yet to be determined, but it has generated significant debate concerning gender equality and individual rights in India.
