B. RAMACHARY Vs. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The present writ appeal is arising out of the order dated 26.10.2018 passed by the learned Single Judge in W.P.No.38765/2015 (Dr. B.Ramachary Vs The Government of India & another).

(2.) The facts of the case reveal that the petitioner before this Court is an Indian citizen and he has obtained a doctorate degree from Mysore University. The petitioner wanted to add Dr. as prefix with his name and submitted applications/representations to the Regional Passport Officer, Koramangala, Bengaluru. However, the prefix Dr. has not been added in the passport. Petitioner was earlier holding an Indian Passport and undisputedly, after expiry of the passport, he has submitted an application for renewal and he wanted his name to be mentioned as Dr. B.Ramachary. His request has not been accepted by the authorities. In those circumstances, the writ petition was preferred. The learned Single Judge has dismissed the writ petition, against which, the present writ appeal has been preferred.

(3.) Learned Counsel for the appellant has vehemently argued before this Court that in the identity card issued by the Election Commission of India bearing No.SLC2737419, his name is mentioned as Dr. B.Ramachary, in the Aadhar Card his name is again mentioned as Dr. B.Ramachary, and therefore, he has got every right to get his name reflected in the passport as Dr. B.Ramachary, and therefore, the passport authorities be directed to issue a fresh passport in his name by mentioning his name as Dr.B.Ramachary. Learned Counsel has placed reliance upon the judgment delivered by the Hon ble Supreme Court in the case of BALAJI RAGHAVAN VS UNION OF INDIA , 1996 1 SCC 361, and his contention is that in the light of the aforesaid decision, titles like Field Marshal , Admiral , Air Marshal , Chief Justice or Doctor can be added before the name of a person. However, other titles like His Highness or Head of the State, some names State before independence era, cannot be affixed. He has vehemently argued that in the light of the aforesaid judgment, the passport authorities be directed to affix Dr. before B.Ramachary.