In Goa, changing one's name or surname is governed by the Goa Change of Name and Surname Act, 1990 and its associated rules by applying to the Registrar. The Goa Change of Name and Surname (Amendment) Act, 2022, has shifted the authority for name changes from the registrar to the judiciary. This amendment also restricts the ability to change names to those with Goan origin. Probably the change of name rule in Goa was primarily adopted with good intent in order to change the spelling of the names which have a Portuguese origin. Like ‘Xencor’ to ‘Shankar’, ‘Camotim’ to ‘Kamat’ etc. The amendment aims to address concerns particularly regarding the acquisition of Goan surnames. There were allegations that people were changing names to fraudulently claim benefits under government schemes or to purchase land. There could be criminals resorting to change of name to escape from the long hand of the law. Stress needs to be laid on the reason a person is seeking a name change. There also needs to be restrictions on the number of legal name changes that can be allowed in a lifetime.
