New religion can be mentioned in school certificates after conversion : Kerala HC

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) – A person’s request to change their religion in educational records cannot be denied due to the absence of specific legal provisions. Necessary amendments can be made to records after religious conversion, ruled the Kerala High Court.

1. The Court acknowledged that while there is no provision for changing religion in school certificates, under Article 25(1), a person cannot be associated with a religion solely based on their birth. The Constitution provides freedom to follow any religion, and if a person adopts a new religion, necessary amendments should be made in their official documents.

2. The petitioner, who was originally a Hindu, converted to Christianity in May 2017. He attempted to update his school certificates to reflect his new religion. However, the authorities denied his request, citing the absence of specific provisions for such changes in school certificates. This decision was challenged in the Court.

3. The Court directed the school management to make the necessary changes in the petitioner’s school certificates within a month.