A.R.Sofia Kennedy v. The District Collector
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 27-05-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE G. R. SWAMINATHAN A.R.Sofia Kennedy D/o. Robert Kennedy, No. 36/133, 3rd Block, 3rd Street, Kavingar Kannadasan Nagar, Kodungaiyur, Chennai - 600 118.
..Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The District Collector, Chennai district, Singaravelar Maaligai, Rajaji Salai, Chennai - 600 001.
2. The Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation, Ripon Buildings, Chennai - 600 003.
3. The District Welfare officer Zone - 5, Greater Chennai Corporation, Basin Bridge Road, Chennai - 600 021.
4. The Zonal Officer (Birth and Death ) Greater Chennai Corporation, Zone 4, Tondiarpet, Chennai.
5. The Special Tahsildar, Madhavaram Taluk, Chennai District.
..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of writ of mandamus, to direct the 3rd and 4th respondents to issue fresh birth certificate as to include the petitioner's daughter names as S.Pranaya Sree and remove the name ROBERT mentioned in the column name of the father
and also to correct the name of the petitioner mentioned in the name column of the mother as A.R Sofia Kennedy instead of Sofiya based on the petitioner's representation dated 19.03.2026.
For Petitioner(s):
Mr.G.Thalaimuthurasu For Respondent(s):
Dr.R.Gowri Counsel for Govt. of Tamil Nadu For R1 & R5
ORDER
Heard both sides.
2. The writ petitioner states that she was a victim of sexual assault at the hands of one Janakiraman and as a result she delivered a child on 09.11.2021. Subsequently, birth certificate was issued by the Greater Chennai Corporation. However, the details in the birth certificate appeared to be incorrect. The petitioner states that though her name is "ARSK", it has been mentioned as "S". Her father, Robert has been shown as father of the child. The petitioner does not want the name of the said Jankiraman to be included in the birth certificate as a father of the child.
3. The request made by the writ petitioner is reasonable. The writ petitioner's request is three fold:
i) Her name should be correctly incorporated. ii) Her father's name should be deleted from birth certificate. iii) Name of the actual father should be suppressed.
4. The petitioner is directed to appear before the 4th respondent on 02.06.2026 at 03.00 p.m. The 4th respondent will conduct enquiry and, on being satisfied about the averments made by the petitioner, he shall issue a revised certificate as sought, within a period of two weeks, thereafter.
5. This Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. 27-05-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order KKN
To
1. The District Collector, Chennai district, Singaravelar Maaligai, Rajaji Salai, Chennai - 600 001.
2. The Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation, Ripon Buildings, Chennai - 600 003.
3. The District Welfare officer Zone - 5, Greater Chennai Corporation, Basin Bridge Road, Chennai - 600 021.
4. The Zonal Officer (Birth and Death ) Greater Chennai Corporation, Zone 4, Tondiarpet, Chennai.
5. The Special Tahsildar, Madhavaram Taluk, Chennai District.
G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.
KKN 27-05-2026