Name change to be limited to Goa-born, or with parent, grandparent born in Goa

PANAJI: The cabinet on Wednesday granted approval to an amendment to the Goa Change of Name and Surname Act, 1990, that places restrictions on who can change their names in Goa. Once passed, only those who either are born in Goa or have a parent or grandparent born in Goa will be able to do so in Goa.
Further, only a person whose name and surname are already recorded in the birth register of Goa will be permitted to change their names.
Significantly, the amendment empowers the judiciary to decide on applications of change in name. Thus, the civil judge junior division replaces the role of the registrar, and the district judge replaces the role of the chief registrar.

Explaining its reasoning for giving powers to judges, the note said that the Act “provides for creation of a document which is of significant importance”. It also said that the rules provide for examination of witnesses, “hence it is imperative that the functions under the said Act be administered by judicial officers”.
The Goa change of name and surname (amendment) bill, 2022, is likely to be tabled in the House soon. The bill was brought in response to allegations that people are acquiring Goan surnames, said law minister Nilesh Cabral. “Now, the power to change names and surnames will be given to the judiciary. A person who wants to change their name has to be born in Goa, or one of their parents or grandparents should be born in Goa, Daman and Diu,” he said.
A cabinet note stated that the registration department has received several representations pertaining to the misuse of the original Act.