Clerical Error vs. Substantive Name Change
Authorities classify name modifications into two distinct categories: Minor Clerical Correction: Typographical slip-ups (e.g., "Poonam" vs. "Punnam", or "Vikas" vs. "Vikaas") where pronunciation and identity remain unchanged. Often resolvable with a rectification affidavit and supporting historical documents. Substantive Name Change: Changing the phonetics, replacing a name entirely, or altering father's/surname. This mandatorily requires a Central Gazette notification.