Mother can always decide surname of her child
Shubham Budhiraja [1] A married B and a child are born out of wedlock. While child was 2 months old, Husband B died. A married C and changed the surname of child with that of new father C. Biological Grandparents of Child petition under Guardianship act seeking them self as Guardian of Child. The trial court dismissed the petition calling mother as natural guardian. The High Court in appeal directed the mother to change the surname of child to that of deceased biological father. Hon'ble Supreme Court held that mother is a natural guardian. She can give the child in adoption and can decide the surname of child. It is not in child interest to keep the surname of biological father when he is given in adoption to a new father and has joined a new family. [2] (I) In the case of Githa Hariharan and Ors. vs. Reserve Bank of India and Ors., Hon’ble Court observed the mother to ...