Regarding use of maiden name
Querist :
Anonymous
(Querist) 02 April 2019
This query is : Resolved
Hi,
My name was change after my marriage with my husband's family name. But I have not adopted new name and continuing with my maiden name (voter's ID, AADHAR, driving license) . I am working in a government college with my maiden name. Is it illegal? Can I continue to be in my maiden name inspite of changed surname in marriage certificate?
Vijay Raj Mahajan
(Expert) 02 April 2019
Nothing illegal if you're using your maiden name and surname. Nowhere in any matrimonial law provided that wife has to change and use new name or surname after marriage. This misconception and wrong practice in the Indian society to force wives to use new name or surname after marriage than only the will be considered married.
kavksatyanarayana
(Expert) 02 April 2019
Yes. It is not necessary to change your maiden name to the husband's surname. it is not illegal.
Dr J C Vashista
(Expert) 03 April 2019
It is your personal decision to adopt your surname as that of your in-laws.
However, after marriage a girl is identified/ known and recognized with the name of her husband (as wife of) leaving behind father's name (as daughter of), do you agree?
N.K.Assumi
(Expert) 04 April 2019
I am averse to responding to anonymous query; but this query has some special feature and I wish to comment on it. India is a party to UNGA Conventions on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women 1979, but till today many women of India are not aware of this Conventions, and despite several workshop, seminar etc; around that time of signing the Conventions there is still a need to create awareness of this Conventions amongst the Women of India..
Under Article 16 of the UNGA Conventions on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women 1979,
equal rights have been accorded to women with men in marriage and family relations on the basis of equality of men and women, and that includes same rights and responsibilities during marriage and its dissolution; same rights and responsibilities as parents;same rights and responsibilities to decide number of children; same rights and responsibilities in guardianship, wardship, trusteeship and adoption of children; same rights and responsibilities in choosing a family name, profession and occupation; same rights and responsibilities in ownership, acquisition, management, administration, enjoyment, disposition of property etc.
Apart from this Article 16 there are many provisions that promote the rights of women under the Conventions.
P. Venu
(Expert) 04 April 2019
Yes, there is no such mandatory requirement that a girl ought to change her maiden name or that she should adopt the surname of her husband. In fact in Kerala, there is no such practice.
